Category: News Releases
Deer Creek Fishing Derby: Children and Law Enforcement Build a Bond Through Fishing
July 16, 2026For Immediate Release
July 16, 2026
LANGTON, ON — Police officers from Norfolk County OPP Detachment will help kids cast a line during the Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Day on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 8 AM to 12 PM (prizes to follow) at Deer Creek Conservation Area. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of this special event and we encourage the community to celebrate with us! The derby would not be possible without the gracious contributions from the many local businesses including:
| Adventure RV | Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) |
| Canadian National Sports Fishing | Ontario Power Generation |
| Creative Design Ink | Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm |
| Crimestoppers: Haldimand/Norfolk | Shannon & Nikki Porter – Porter Lumber |
| DMT Embroidery | Unilever |
| L.D. Sinden Holdings Inc. | Waterford Sand & Gravel Limited |
| Lucky Strike Bait Works LTD | Zehrs Tillsonburg |
| Macdonald Turkey Point Marina | Mike Carrier |
| East Elgin Concrete Forming Ltd. | Town of Tillsonburg |
| Berkley Canada | Jarvis Family Dental |
| Canadian Tire – Tillsonburg | Doerksen Country Store |
| Canadian Tire – Simcoe | Port Rowan Home Building Centre |
| Long Point Area Fish and Game Club | Pure Environmental |
| Doug Oakes | Jason Barnucz – The Reel Angle |
The derby, open to youth 16 and under, offers a fun opportunity for kids and their families to create lasting memories and develop a passion for fishing. Cast from shore or launch a non-motorized or electric boat and fish the farther sections of the reservoir.
Cost: $5/child (plus Conservation Area admission)
Registration: 8 AM the day of the event.
This event is supported by Keep Canada Fishing (www.keepcanadafishing.com), a program of the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting recreational fishing for all Canadians, and Canadian Tire.
The Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days program has introduced children to the great outdoors for over 20 years. These grassroots events help children connect with nature, learn teamwork, and build confidence away from electronics and social media.
For more information about this event, contact Jessica King at jking@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 227.
To learn more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca, www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire or contact Donna at donna@impactcom.ca or 877 822 8881.
THE DAVIDSON DECOY GALLERY REVEALS TO VISITORS THE HISTORY OF WATERFOWLING IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
June 30, 2026Media Release
June 30, 2026
PORT ROWAN, ON — The Davidson Decoy Gallery opened to the public on June 6, 2026 at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area within the Conservation Education Centre. The new permanent exhibition pays tribute to the story of Southern Ontario’s waterfowling heritage by showcasing the work of prominent decoy carvers from Long Point, Hamilton, Toronto, Dunnville, and West Central Ontario regions, with a focus on carvers from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. The gallery has over 90 decoys and also has various waterfowling artifacts and contemporary decoys carved by World Champions!
It is owned and operated by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, with the generous support of the Davidson Family Foundation. Tom Davidson Sr. had a vision to preserve and celebrate the rich tradition of waterfowling to ensure its legacy is passed on to future generations.
Visitors are invited to explore the gallery and learn about local waterfowling history. Hours of operation are Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from June 6th – September 13th, and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., from September 18, 2026 – October 10.
The Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectibles Association will be hosting their Show & Sale at the Conservation Education Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Associated Links
https://www.lprca.on.ca/education-programming/conservation-education-centre/the-davidson-decoy-gallery/
Contacts
Chloe Anna
Curator
Curator@lprca.on.ca
519-586-2201 ext. 350
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE AMALGAMATION OF LONG POINT REGION, CATFISH CREEK, GRAND RIVER, AND KETTLE CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES
June 19, 2026Media Release
June 19, 2026
TILLSONBURG, ON — In accordance with recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities will amalgamate into 9 regional conservation authorities on February 1, 2027. Locally, Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA), Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA), Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA), and Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be consolidated into what will be known as the Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority.
The newly formed Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency will be overseeing the transition and is in the process of appointing a project executive to chair a transition committee. The transition committee will consist of the General Manager/CAO and one elected board member from each of the amalgamating conservation authorities. The transition committee is not expected to convene until late summer.
In the meantime, the Chairs of LPRCA, KCCA, CCCA, and GRCA have collaborated on a joint statement that demonstrates a commitment to navigating this moment with as much openness and transparency as possible. To this end, each Board has adopted the “Guiding Principles of Transition” to help inform the transition. The principles are not listed in order of priority but rather are all viewed as essential to a successful transition.
The four conservation authorities invite the public to visit their websites for more information as it becomes available (https://www.lprca.on.ca/board-governance/eastern-lake-erie-regional-conservation-authority-transition/).
Contacts
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
Jking@lprca.on.ca
519-842-4242 ext. 227
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
April 2, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire watershed.
A series of low-pressure systems are forecast to move across southern Ontario beginning today and continuing through the weekend, bringing approximately 20–40 mm of rainfall to the watershed. Rainfall beginning today is expected to be relatively light, with the most significant precipitation forecast on Saturday, when approximately 15–25 mm of rainfall may occur. Additional scattered precipitation may occur Sunday into early next week. Air temperatures are expected to remain above freezing during the rainfall period.
Current water levels and flows across the watershed are near seasonal levels and generally stable. However, rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions may generate runoff and increase water levels in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas is possible, particularly during periods of heavier rainfall on Saturday.
At this time, widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, water levels and flows are expected to increase through the weekend. Municipal staff and landowners in historically flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions closely.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, April 6, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager, Engineering & Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext. 265, should further information be required.
Note:
Water Safety Statement — High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreationalists, children and pets. Flooding is not expected.
BACKHOUSE GRIST MILL COMPETING IN NATIONAL COMPETITION: THE NEXT GREAT SAVE
March 31, 2026Media Release
March 31, 2026
PORT ROWAN, ON — The Backhouse Grist Mill has been selected to compete in The Next Great Save, a national competition ran by the National Trust for Canada, after applying to participate at the beginning of the year. The competition focuses on the meaningful preservation of historic sites and heritage places with $65,000 in cash prizes available to protect, adapt, renew, or improve heritage places.
The Backhouse Grist Mill will be competing alongside 11 other historic sites across Canada for the grand prize of $50,000. It was revealed through an architectural and structural assessment that the Mill is experiencing structural safety issues and unfortunately will not be able to open for the 2026 season. Winning the Next Great Save would directly fund the first major steps needed to save the Mill: a comprehensive engineering report, temporary structural shoring, and drainage improvements. These actions must happen before any further restoration can begin. A vote for Backhouse is a vote for real, immediate, shovel‑ready impact.
The competition begins on April 7th, 2026, and ends on April 24th, 2026. You can vote for the Mill once a day, every day during this time period. Help us lead the Mill to victory!
Associated Links
https://nextgreatsave.us.launchpad6.com/NextGreatSave2026/grist-mill
12 Finalists Named in National Trust for Canada’s Next Great Save Competition to Restore Historic Places Across Canada
Contacts
Jessica King
Social Media & Marketing Associate
519-842-4242 ext.227
jking@lprca.on.ca
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Extended) (Event Message #3)
March 13, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire watershed as elevated stream flows continue following recent precipitation and snowmelt.
No flooding is currently anticipated; however, water levels and flows in local rivers and streams remain high.
Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds. Slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water can create dangerous conditions.
Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be completed safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, March 16, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager, Engineering & Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: a message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors may create dangerous conditions for recreational users, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Watch Termination (Event Message #2)
March 9, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch for the Big Otter Watershed and maintaining a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire watershed.
Stream flows are expected to remain high for the next few days, and people are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: a message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions may develop or exist.
Flood Watch & Water Safety (Event Message #1)
March 6, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for the Big Otter Watershed and a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the rest of the watershed.
The first of a series of low-pressure systems has moved across southern Ontario bringing above freezing temperatures and approximately 17 mm of precipitation to the watershed.
The last snow survey showed approximately 22.4 mm of snow water equivalent which has begun to melt. The melting snow pack and recent precipitation is generating runoff and increasing water levels in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas are also occurring.
Above seasonal temperatures are expected to continue along with additional precipitation. The majority of the snow pack is expected to melt over the weekend, further elevating watercourses.
Stream flows are expected to increase over the next few days, and people are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Flood Watch & Water Safety Statement will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, March 9, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Watch: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #2)
February 20, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Outlook for its entire watershed, to a Water Safety.
A series of low-pressure systems have moved across southern Ontario bringing above freezing temperatures and approximately 15 mm of precipitation to the watershed.
The existing snow pack has absorbed most of the precipitation, and began to melt, generating runoff and increased water levels in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas are also occurring.
River ice has begun to degrade but remains largely in place across much of the watershed. With the rising flows and mild temperatures, ice cover will continue to weaken. While no ice-related impacts are currently observed, ice movement and localized jamming remain possible, particularly in areas with a history of ice jams. The Big Otter Creek in Vienna, Port Burwell and the mouth of Sandusk Creek are high-risk areas should ice jams occur.
Stream flows are expected to increase over the next few days, and people are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, February 23, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #1)
February 17, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire watershed.
A low-pressure system is forecast to move across southern Ontario beginning tonight and continuing through Wednesday, bringing approximately 15–25 mm of precipitation to the watershed. Air temperatures are expected to remain near or slightly above freezing during this period.
Snowpack remains present across the watershed and has begun to consolidate with recent milder temperatures. The combination of rainfall and snowmelt is expected to generate runoff and increase water levels and flows in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas is possible.
River ice remains in place across much of the watershed. With rising flows and milder temperatures, ice cover may weaken and begin to break up. While no ice-related impacts are currently observed, ice movement and localized jamming remain possible, particularly in areas with a history of ice jams. The Big Otter Creek in Vienna, Port Burwell and the mouth of Sandusk Creek are high-risk areas should ice jams occur.
At this time, widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, water levels and flows are expected to increase through Wednesday into Thursday. Municipal staff and landowners in historically flood-prone or ice-jam-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions closely.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager, Engineering & Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Outlook Statement — Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
