Campgrounds Closed, Other Properties Opening for Day Use

May 15, 2020

As of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, Long Point Region Conservation Authority properties without campgrounds will be open to the public for limited day use activities. Conservation Areas with campgrounds will remain closed to the public.

On Saturday, LPRCA is reestablishing public day-use access to Conservation Areas and forest tracts that do not have campgrounds. We are asking that visitors choose to visit the parks and trails closest to their communities to reduce travel distance.

While all LPRCA campgrounds will remain closed to the public for the time being, work is underway to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. In the near future, LPRCA will release details on the process for opening campgrounds.

If accessing any of the non-campground LPRCA properties that are now open, please do so responsibly and follow the guidelines of health authorities. Visitors to LPRCA Conservation Areas and forest tracts must maintain at least two metres of space between themselves and others. Gatherings involving more than five people are prohibited. Please ensure you take any litter or pet waste with you rather than leaving it behind on the land. All LPRCA properties must be vacated by 8 p.m.

To maintain the health and safety of staff and the public LPRCA administrative facilities and properties with campgrounds remain closed. The following facilities and conservation areas are NOT open to the public:

Backus Heritage Conservation Area
Deer Creek Conservation Area
Haldimand Conservation Area
Norfolk Conservation Area
Waterford North Conservation Area
LPRCA Administration Office
Waterford Workshop

LPRCA closed public access to all LPRCA-owned properties following an April 3 order from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit to close parks and trails. The reopening of some LPRCA land is in line with health authority recommendations as the Health Unit revoked the order to close trails and parks on May 1 and the Ontario government determined it safe to open to provincial parks for limited recreational use as of May 11.

Please note, LPRCA continues to follow the guidance of the government and health authorities and the status of property access and the camping season is subject to change based on their recommendations. Updates will continue to be posted to LPRCA’s website and social media feeds.

Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Erie (High) Static Water Level Outlook

April 27, 2020

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Shoreline Conditions Statement for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. This message is intended to bring attention to the current high static (calm) water levels of Lake Erie and the potential for flooding and erosion as we move into the spring.

The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum from April 3, 2020 reports that:

Lake Erie’s level was 86 cm above average, the highest March mean level on record and 10 cm above the previous record high of 1987.
Lake Erie rose 22 cm in March, on average it rises by 16 cm in March.
At the beginning of April, Lake Erie’s level was the highest on record. It was 90 cm above average, 33 cm higher than last year, and 12 cm above the previous record-high beginning-of-April level set in 1985.

Water supplies over the last three months were generally above average throughout the Great Lakes and Lake Erie’s static water level continues to set records with a daily average level of approximately 175.0 m. Assuming average water supply conditions, Lake Erie static levels are expected to remain well above average and increase into May. Figure 1 below shows the 6-month forecast for Lake Erie.

Due to the high level of Lake Erie, there continues to be a heightened risk of flooding from lake surges and wave uprush, and wave-driven erosion along the shoreline.

Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions, particularly strong southwest winds. People are urged to use caution or stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until further notice.

Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 should further information be required.

Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge

April 20, 2020

The Lake Erie shoreline Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge is now extended until Monday, April 27th 2020.

Weather forecasts are currently predicting moderate winds between 25-40 km/h this week into Sunday. Lake Erie recently set a new monthly average level for March and continues to be well above average for April. With these exceptionally high levels, even moderate winds can cause low lying areas along the shoreline to be flooded.

Standing water, erosion, property damage and other impacts may continue to affect areas along the shoreline. At this time, LPRCA reminds everyone to stay away from areas affected by recent shoreline flooding due to possible erosion, instability and other damage. Parents are especially reminded to keep children away from these areas.

Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the forecast and standby for further information.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecast conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Watch is in effect until 9:00 AM, Monday, April 27th.

Contact Matt Churly at 519-427-4242 should further information be required.

LPRCA Campgrounds: May 1 Opening Date Delayed

April 16, 2020

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is delaying the May 1 opening date for all LPRCA campgrounds.

LPRCA is committed to the health and safety of the public and our staff. We are making the decision to delay the opening date to protect public health and are doing so as recommended by public health authorities. On April 3, 2020, the Ontario Government amended their list of essential workplaces and ordered seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds closed as of 11:59 p.m. on April 4.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that visitors to LPRCA campgrounds have the best possible experience when it is safe to reopen, LPRCA has made the decision to postpone the opening date. LPRCA will continue to monitor the public health emergency and determine a point when LPRCA properties can reopen. Further updates will be posted to the LRPCA website and social media accounts.

At this time, payment deadlines for seasonal campsites have been deferred. Campers with seasonal sites at LPRCA campgrounds are being contacted by email with further information. Those who have made overnight campsite bookings are also being contacted by email to be notified that their booking will be cancelled and a refund will be issued automatically. The overnight booking cancellations are currently operating on a rolling two-week schedule as we evaluate prospective opening dates. This means that overnight bookings scheduled for
later in the season are not being cancelled at this time and campers will be contacted directly as the situation progresses.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Brandon Good, Superintendent of Conservation Areas, at 519-586-2201 ext. 221 or bhca@lprca.on.ca.

Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge

April 14, 2020

The Flood Warning issued on Sunday, April 12th, 2020 for the Lake Erie shoreline is now terminated and a Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge is now in effect.

Weather forecasts are currently predicting moderate southwesterly and westerly winds between 20-40 km/h for the remainder of the week into Sunday. Lake Erie recently set a new monthly average level for March and continues to be well above average for April. With these exceptionally high levels, even moderate winds can cause low lying areas along the shoreline to be flooded.

Lake Erie flood water levels have decreased somewhat since last night. However, standing water, erosion, property damage and other impacts from yesterday continue to affect areas along the shoreline. At this time, LPRCA reminds everyone to stay away from areas affected by recent shoreline flooding due to possible erosion, instability and other damage. Parents are especially reminded to keep children away from these areas.

Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the forecast and standby for further information.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecast conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Watch is in effect until 9:00 AM, Monday, April 20th.

Contact Craig Jacques at 519-429-2738 should further information be required.

Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)

April 12, 2020

Effective 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, forecasting strong southwesterly winds of 65-75 km/h and gusts up to 100 km/h over Lake Erie on Monday afternoon and evening. With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in the western Long Point area by 0.43 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.51 meters (IGLD 1985), and in the Port Colborne area by 0.98 meters above the current level to an elevation of 176.06 meters (IGLD 1985). Peak levels are currently expected to occur between late Monday afternoon through Monday evening. Wave heights are forecast to reach up to 2 meters along the shoreline.

Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 3.

Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore and warn those residents and businesses in low lying areas along the lakeshore.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.

Contact Craig Jacques at 519-429-2738 should further information be required.

Lake Erie Flood Watch (Event Message #1)

April 8, 2020

Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is forecasting sustained strong southwest and west winds ranging from 40 to 50 km/hr, and gusts in excess of 60 km/h Thursday morning continuing into Friday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.15 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.28 meters (IGLD 1985), and in Port Colborne by 0.39 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.50 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.3 meters in the Long Point area and up to 0.9 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Forecast models are currently forecasting water levels to remain elevated from Thursday morning until Friday morning.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact very low-lying areas of the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries.

Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 1.

Community flood coordinators are advised to prepare and monitor forecasts and stand by for further information.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Watch is in effect until noon, Friday April 10th.

Contact Craig Jacques, Water Resource Specialist at 519-429-2738 should further information be required.

All LPRCA Properties Closed for Public Access

April 6, 2020

Effective immediately, all Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) properties will be closed until further notice.

LPRCA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario and taking steps to help prevent the spread of infection. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and community is a top priority. LPRCA will continue to monitor the situation and follow governmental direction.

All LPRCA property located in the Municipality of Bayham, Town of Tillsonburg, Norfolk County, Haldimand County, County of Brant, Township of Malahide, Township of Norwich and Township of South West Oxford is closed.

On March 17, LPRCA closed facilities and CAs with campgrounds to the public, and closed additional properties on April 4 following recommendations for enhanced physical distancing measures. As the situation progresses, LPRCA will continue to issue updates to www.lprca.on.ca and LPRCA social media accounts.

Conservation Area Closures

April 4, 2020

Effective immediately, additional Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) Conservation Areas (CAs) will be closed until further notice.

LPRCA continues to follow the recommendations of the Provincial Government and health experts. On April 3, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit ordered enhanced social distancing measures, closing all recreational facilities including trails and trail systems. With continued emphasis on the crucial importance of physical distancing by public health authorities, LPRCA is adding the following Conservation Areas to the list of closed facilities:

Black Creek CA
Big Creek CA
Brook CA
Croton CA
Fisher CA
Hay Creek CA
Lehman Dam CA
Little Lake CA
Norwich CA
Rowan Mills CA
Sutton CA
Teeterville CA
Tillsonburg CA
Vern Ryerse Memorial CA
Vittoria CA
Waterford Trout Pond
All Canoe Launch Sites

On March 17, LPRCA closed facilities and CAs with campgrounds to the public:

Backus Heritage Conservation Area
Deer Creek Conservation Area
Haldimand Conservation Area
Norfolk Conservation Area
Waterford North Conservation Area

LPRCA asks that the closure of these CAs be respected and that no one accesses the land for the purposes of hiking, fishing or any other activity. Updates and changes to LPRCA services and facilities will be posted to www.lprca.on.ca and our social media accounts.

Conservation Areas Update – LPRCA monitoring COVID-19 situation, will assess Conservation Area opening date

March 27, 2020

Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is following the evolving situation with COVID-19 closely. We take the health and safety of our customers and staff seriously. As the situation with COVID19 continues to unfold we will be evaluating the necessity to delay the opening of our Conservation Areas. Updates will be posted to the LPRCA website and social media feeds. Any delay will also be communicated to our seasonal campers through email and phone. If you are a seasonal camper with LPRCA please ensure we have up-to-date contact information. You can reach us at conservation@lprca.on.ca or by phone at 519-586-2201 ext. 221.

Haldimand County Campgrounds

On March 25, Haldimand County issued an order permitting seasonal trailer parks to open earlier than usual to accommodate residents returning to Haldimand after wintering abroad. These temporary measures are to provide self-isolation accommodations to those who use seasonal trailer parks as their primary Canadian residences. As LPRCA seasonal sites are not primary residences, LPRCA will not be opening the Haldimand Conservation Area campsite early.

At this time, LPRCA facilities including Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Deer Creek Conservation Area, Haldimand Conservation Area, Norfolk Conservation Area and Waterford North Conservation Area remain closed. We thank you for your patience during these difficult times.