Category: News Releases
Riverine Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
September 22, 2021Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Riverine Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.
An Environment Canada Rainfall Warning for Simcoe – Delhi – Norfolk has been issued. It states:
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- Significant rainfall expected through Thursday afternoon.
- Showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to continue today before moving out Thursday.
- Total rainfall amounts of 75 to 100 mm are expected by early Thursday afternoon with a few areas possibly reaching 125 mm.
- This widespread rainfall event is due to a cold front and a moisture laden low pressure system that will arrive from the American Mid-west.
The Long Point Region watershed has received approximately 22-40 mm of precipitation during the last 12 hours and forecasts suggest an additional 75-100 mm will fall over the next 48 hours. Area watercourses are still responding to rainfall from yesterday and water levels are expected to rise with the forecasted precipitation, creating the potential for flooding in flood-prone areas.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catchbasins are free from debris and functioning properly, if it is safe to do so.
Water levels are expected to remain high for the remainder of the week. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect until Monday, September 27, 2021 at 12:45 p.m. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Ben Watson at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
June 26, 2021Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all areas within its watershed.
Much of the Long Point Region watershed received approximately 50 mm (2 inches) of rain in the last 24 hours, and the current forecasts are calling for additional rainfall this evening and overnight. As a result, water levels have risen and continue to rise throughout the watershed causing nuisance flooding in low-lying areas.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catchbasins are free from debris and functioning properly, if safe to do so.
Water levels are expected to continue to rise overnight and into Sunday and remain elevated into next week.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Outlook is in effect until 12:00 PM, Monday, June 28, 2021.
Contact Paul Gagnon at (519) 429-4899 should further information be required.
Nightly Camping and Day-Use Access Starts Friday, June 11
June 7, 2021Campgrounds open with restrictions as Ontario enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen
Nightly camping and day-use access to Long Point Region Conservation Authority campgrounds begins on Friday, June 11, 2021. With the Province announcing that Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen begins on Friday, LPRCA will be opening Backus Heritage, Deer Creek, Haldimand, Norfolk and Waterford North Conservation Areas to nightly camping and day-use access.
Nightly Camping
Nightly camping, for both trailers and tents, can begin at LPRCA campgrounds starting June 11. Bathrooms, including showers, will be open and thoroughly cleaned often. Reservations for nightly camping can be made online at https://longpoint.goingtocamp.com/.
Pavilion and equipment rentals are not available at this time.
Day-Use Access
Day-use access to Backus Heritage, Deer Creek, Haldimand, Norfolk and Waterford North Conservation Areas begins at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 11. To help ensure physical distancing can be maintained, each Conservation Area will have a limit to how many visitors can be present at once; when all parking passes are in use, no additional visitors will be permitted to enter the Conservation Area. Parking passes are $15 per vehicle and can be obtained from the Conservation Area gatehouse or reserved up to seven days in advance by using the ‘Parking’ section of the online reservation system at https://longpoint.goingtocamp.com/.
Frequent visitors may be interested in a Season Pass that will permit them to reserve a parking space through the online system at no additional cost. Season Passes can be purchased for $95 at any of the Conservation Area gatehouses. Season Pass holders then reserve a parking space online using the code on their pass and make sure their pass is visible on the dashboard of their vehicle on the day of their visit.
Whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day, please make sure to follow all applicable Provincial guidelines including physical distancing and group size limits.
Conservation Ontario: Province Releases Consultation Guide on Legislative Regulations Impacting Conservation Authorities
May 19, 2021The following is a media release issued by Conservation Ontario.
NEWMARKET ONTARIO (May 17, 2021) – The Province has begun its broader consultation on the proposed regulations to support conservation authority programs and services under the Conservation Authorities Act.
The Guide is titled REGULATORY PROPOSAL CONSULTATION GUIDE: Regulations Defining Core Mandate and Improving Governance, Oversight and Accountability of Conservation Authorities. Agencies and individuals have 45 days to submit their feedback on the proposed regulations.
“We appreciate the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the development of this regulatory proposal consultation guide and we thank the Working Group members for all their efforts,” said Andy Mitchell, Chair of Conservation Ontario, the umbrella organization for Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities.
Mr. Mitchell explained that Conservation Ontario will be working with its conservation authority members to examine the proposed regulations and will provide comments during the consultation period.
“Our goal is to ensure the regulations facilitate the conservation authorities’ commitment to protect people, property and the environment while demonstrating transparency and accountability,” he said.
A Working Group was established by the Province in January 2021 and their first task included looking at the first phase of proposed regulations that impact conservation authorities and their participating municipalities.
Its membership consisted of representatives from conservation authorities, Conservation Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario as well as the development and agricultural sectors. Hassaan Basit, President and Chief Executive Officer of Conservation Halton is the Chair of the Working Group.
Conservation Ontario will continue to engage the government as work continues on developing the regulations.
Feedback on the proposed regulations is due June 27, 2021 and can be submitted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority Camping Status Update
April 15, 2021
Seasonal Camping begins May 1, nightly camping and day-use access currently on hold
Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s camping season is approaching quickly but elements of the season are impacted by the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order enacted on April 8. Seasonal camping will begin as planned on May 1, 2021 but nightly camping and day-use access to LPRCA’s campgrounds is prohibited while the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order is in effect.
Seasonal Camping
The provincial restrictions currently in place permit camping on sites secured with a full season contract. Therefore, seasonal campers with LPRCA are permitted to access and use their seasonal sites beginning May 1. Please note that seasonal campers must have their paperwork and payments processed through the Administration Office before they may access their site, paperwork and payment will not be accepted at park gatehouses. Please contact the Administration Office at conservation@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 if you have not yet completed your seasonal registration.
Nightly Camping
Nightly camping is not permitted under the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order. With the restrictions extending into the beginning of May, nightly campsite reservations for the start of our operating season are impacted. Reservation holders for this time period will be notified that their reservation has been cancelled and refunds will be issued automatically through the online reservation system.
Day-Use Access
Under the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home order, campgrounds must be closed to the public. This means LPRCA’s Conservation Areas with campgrounds – Backus Heritage, Deer Creek, Haldimand, Norfolk and Waterford North Conservation Areas – are fully closed to day-use.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority will continue to monitor and follow the latest information from the government and health authorities and will resume nightly camping and day-use access to our campgrounds when it is deemed safe to do so. Updates and changes to offered services will be posted to our website and social media accounts.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we work together to keep our communities safe.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)
March 25, 2021Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.
Environment Canada has issued a gale warning for Lake Erie, forecasting strong southwesterly winds beginning early Friday and are expected to reach 45-55 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h late morning while slowly diminishing into the evening.
Models are currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.6 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.14 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area 1.5 meters to an elevation of 176.03 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights up to 2.6 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.7 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels are expected to peak early afternoon on Friday.
With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low-lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Minor flooding of roads in Long Point, Turkey Point, and Port Dover with depths of 0.1 to 0.2 metres can be expected. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 3. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 8:00 AM, Saturday, March 27, 2021.
Contact Matt Churly at 519-427-4423 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
February 27, 2021Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all areas within its watershed.
Current forecasts are calling for an additional 5-10 mm of rainfall this weekend in addition to the 10 mm received last night. The combination of rainfall and above freezing temperatures are expected to melt the remaining snowpack throughout the watershed resulting in rising stream levels and possibly nuisance flooding in low-lying areas.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, frozen waterbodies, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds, and reservoirs are expected to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catchbasins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to rise throughout the weekend and remain elevated into next week. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Outlook is in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021.
Contact Ben Hodi at (519) 842-4242 x231 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)
February 4, 2021Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.
Environment Canada has issued a gale warning for Lake Erie, forecasting strong southwesterly winds beginning early Friday and are expected to reach 65 km/h with gusts up to 85 km/h in the late morning, slowly diminishing into the evening.
Models are currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.5 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.2 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area by 1.0 meters to an elevation of 175.6 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights greater than 2.4 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.7 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels are expected to peak around noon on Friday.
With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Minor flooding of roads in Long Point, Turkey Point, and Port Dover with depths of 0.1 to 0.2 metres can be expected. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 6:00 pm, Friday, February 5th, 2021.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 231 or by email at bhodi@lprca.on.ca should further information be required.
Planning & Permitting Services Continue to be Available
January 14, 2021Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s Planning & Permitting Department is working remotely, providing service and support by phone and through email.
Health and safety is at the forefront of all of LPRCA’s work. In accordance with the provincial stay-at-home order and expert health advice. LPRCA staff in all departments are working remotely wherever possible with stringent safety protocols in place for essential work that cannot be done remotely.
The Planning & Permitting department is working remotely at full capacity, continuing to accept and review development applications and issue permits. While the province has designated only certain construction work essential, the planning and permitting process can continue for all projects, helping ensure permits are issued in an efficient and timely manner.
Submit planning applications and inquiries, by email, to planning@lprca.on.ca.
For information on planning and permits, including fees, forms and interactive mapping tools, visit the Planning & Permits section of the LPRCA website. The LPRCA Administration Office can be contacted by phone at 519-842-4242.
Conservation Ontario: Province Misses Chance to Respond to Ontarians’ Concerns About the Environment
December 8, 2020The following is a media release issued by Conservation Ontario.
The Province just missed a chance to show they are listening to Ontarians who care about their environment.
Ontario’s Budget Measures Act (Bill 229) was passed today with Schedule 6 intact, and in fact, bolstered with the addition of Minister Zoning Orders’ which could force a conservation authority to issue a permit even if it goes against their provincially-delegated responsibility to protect people, infrastructure and the environment. This is in addition to the already concerning amendments which included new powers for the Minister to bypass conservation authorities and issue permits as well as curtailing the CAs’ ability to appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
“The Budget Bill is all about financial recovery from pandemic conditions and this could have easily been accomplished in ways that didn’t sacrifice Ontario’s environment and our unique watershed approach” says Kim Gavine, General Manager of Conservation Ontario, the agency which represents conservation authorities.
“A more proactive approach may have been to use this bill to support the development of a stream of new, greener economic activities that would boost the economy and help to build environmental resilience, not break it down,” Gavine suggested.
Conservation authorities had hoped that the Province would respond to calls from conservation authorities, municipalities, environmental agencies, agricultural agencies, Indigenous organizations and thousands of individual Ontarians and withdraw Schedule 6 from the Budget Bill.
“Our challenge, now, will be to operationalize the Province’s amendments which we’re quite certain will create additional delays and costs for municipalities, applicants and conservation authorities, themselves,” Gavine points out. “Using an overburdened tribunal system (Local Planning Appeal Tribunal), allowing applicants to appeal CA decisions directly to the Minister and – ensuring compliance around the Minister’s permits will be some of what creates those delays and costs.”
Gavine pointed out that the amendments diminish the roles and responsibilities of conservation authorities and of Ontario’s much lauded science-based watershed approach and this was quite evident to the people who contacted the Province over the past few weeks to complain.
“It was really fantastic to see the wide range of people and agencies who understood the importance of what was happening,” Gavine says. “They immediately picked up on both the short and long-term impacts of these changes and were very direct in their messages to the Province. It’s unfortunate that it wasn’t enough.”
Gavine points out that CAs and Conservation Ontario now have to direct their attention to the regulations that provide the details around the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and says she hopes they will get the attention, assessment and public input that they deserve.