Category: News Releases
LPRCA to host Public Information Centres on Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment project
October 14, 2019Upcoming sessions will share project information and gather feedback
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA), in partnership with local municipalities, has initiated a project to update and create new flood hazard mapping, with a focus on flood-vulnerable communities in the Long Point Region watershed. The project also involves taking inventory of at-risk infrastructure and estimating damage potential to update municipal risk assessment information.
Flood hazard mapping identifies regions that are particularly prone to flooding and erosion, data that helps with land use planning and permitting decisions, flood-related emergency response and mitigation planning. These maps are created using computer modeling and information gathered in the field. The project will be completed by early 2020.
To answer questions about the project, share project information, receive feedback and gather public knowledge of local conditions, LPRCA will be hosting Public Information Centres (PICs). An initial set of PICs will be held to introduce the project and receive feedback, with a second round of PICs held towards the end of the project where results and draft hazard maps will be shared.
The PICs will focus primarily on their respective study areas and will not have formal presentations, instead taking an open house format with staff from LPRCA, local municipalities and Wood, Environment & Infrastructure Solutions present to answer questions.
The PIC dates and locations are as follows:
Tillsonburg
WHEN: Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: LPRCA Administration Office, 4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg STUDY AREAS: Tillsonburg, Norwich
Simcoe
WHEN: Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: Simcoe Recreation Centre, Norfolk Room, 182 South Drive, Simcoe STUDY AREAS: Cultus, Gilbertville, Waterford, Simcoe, Port Dover, Jarvis, Garnet
Vienna
WHEN: Thursday, November 28, 2019 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: Vienna Community Centre, 26 Fulton Street, Vienna STUDY AREAS: Port Burwell, Vienna
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Lake Erie
October 8, 2019LPRCA adjusts Lake Erie Flood Watch to a Flood Outlook
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Outlook for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline to bring attention to Lake Erie’s high static water levels and the possibility of flooding during the fall and winter months.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum from October 3, 2019 reports that:
Lake Erie’s September monthly mean water levels were 69 cm above average, a new record high for the month.
Lake Erie fell 12 cm last month, more than its average September decline of 9 cm.
At the beginning of October, Lake Erie’s level was 69 cm above average, 20 cm higher than last year and 7 cm below the record high beginning-of-October level set in 1986.
In the Long Point Region watershed, Lake Erie’s current static water level (calm) is 174.78 m. While water supplies in the Great Lakes were higher than average over the last three months, they were lower than levels measured in the previous three-month period. Assuming average water supply conditions, Lake Erie’s water level is expected to continue dropping in October.
With above-average water levels and the possibility of strong southwest winds typical of the fall and winter months, there is an increased risk of both wave-driven erosion along the shoreline and flooding from lake surges and wave uprush.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions, especially strong Southwest winds. People are urged to use caution and 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 provide updates as necessary.
This Flood Outlook is in effect until Further Notice.
Contact Matt Churly at 519-842-4242 ext. 226 for more information.
LPRCA Updating Flooding and Erosion Mapping
May 31, 2019Tillsonburg, Ontario – May 31, 2019 – The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is undertaking two flood hazard mapping projects under the federal National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP). These projects will update and create new riverine flood hazard mapping along 91 km of watercourses and flood & erosion hazard mapping along Lake Erie shoreline in Norfolk County. Accurate mapping is required and critical to minimizing the risk to life and property, supporting flood emergency response, planning for long-term mitigation measures and supporting land use and development planning.
New and updated watercourse flood hazard mapping will focus on the most flood vulnerable communities within the watershed. Communities included in the riverine flood hazard mapping project include Vienna, Port Burwell, Tillsonburg, Norwich, Cultus, Gilbertville, Simcoe, Port Dover, Waterford, Jarvis and Garnett. Public engagement is a critical component of the project and will include two sessions of Public Information Centres (PICs). Further details of the project can be found in the Notice of Commencement (PDF 260KB).
Along the Lake Erie shoreline in Norfolk County, flood & erosion hazard mapping will be updated. There will be opportunity to provide comments and input into this project at the first PIC on June 22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the St. Williams Community Centre, 80 Queen Street West, St. Williams. Further details of the project and PIC can be found in the Notice of Commencement (PDF 280KB).
To submit a comment or question, receive additional information related to the Projects, or advise of accessibility requirements to participate in the Projects, please contact:
Ben Hodi, M.A.Sc.
Project Manager
Long Point Region Conservation Authority
Tel: 519-842-4242 ext. 264
Email: bhodi@lprca.on.ca
Flood Watch
May 15, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. This message is intended to raise attention to the current high static water levels of Lake Erie and the potential for further flooding.
Within the LPRCA watershed the Lake Erie static water level (calm) is approximately 175.0 m and has been continuing to rise as a result of heavy rain, mild temperatures and snow melt within the Great Lakes system. Static water levels in Long Point and Turkey Point are causing flooding on roads and property without any wind setup. Typically, flooding along the shoreline results from strong and sustained south-west winds. However, over the past few weeks, winds from the north, north-east and north-west have caused flooding.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum from May 6th, 2019 reports that:
- Lake Erie has exceeded record highs as of the beginning of May. The level was 3 cm above the record‐high beginning‐of‐May level set in 1985.
- Lake Erie’s level was 60 cm above average, the 6th highest April mean level on record and the highest since 1998.
- Lake Erie rose 24 cm last month, more than the typical April rise of 13 cm.
The extremely high static lake level is greatly increasing the risk of flooding with relatively mild winds from any direction.
Heightened risks from flooding while water levels remain above the threshold, include additional shoreline flooding, beach submersion, crawl space and septic system inundation, and wave-driven erosion along shoreline.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions and the increase in potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline into spring and early summer 2019. 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 Flood Watch is in effect until Further Notice.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Lake Erie
May 9, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Outlook for all areas of the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This updated message is intended to raise attention to the current and forecast high static water levels of Lake Erie. The potential for storm surge events continues to be increased as a result of the higher lake levels.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum (May 1st, 2019) reports that:
- Water supplies to the Great Lakes were well above average in April as a result of heavy rain, mild temperatures and snowmelt.
- During the month of April, Lake Erie was 60 cm above average and the 6th highest April mean level on record, and the highest since 1998.
- At the beginning of May, Lake Erie’s monthly water level was 3 cm above the record-high set in May 1985.
- Lake Erie could exceed monthly average levels this summer and early fall set in 1986.
As a result of the high lake levels, there continues to be an increased risk for flooding and erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline. The greatest risk for flooding and erosion in the Long Point Region in particular is from storms with sustained south-westerly and westerly wind storms. The risk for flood events along the shoreline is expected to remain high into summer.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions and the increase in potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline into 2019. People are urged to use caution or stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will update this flood message as necessary.
Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)
April 12, 2019A strong Texas low pressure system is expected to move through the area on Sunday, and overnight into Monday, potentially bringing with it in the range of 30-50 mm of rain. Watercourses can be expected to rise should this forecasted rain occur.
Due to the expected water level rise, the LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction. Current conditions and the forecasted rainfall may result in nuisance flooding in typically affected low-lying floodplain areas and unsafe conditions around watercourses.
People are cautioned to stay away from all watercourses as the combination of slippery banks, and cold, fastflowing water can be dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to ensure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, ahead of this rain event.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, April 19, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Craig Jacques, Water Resources Specialist 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.
Long Point Region Amended Source Protection Plan Approved
March 27, 2019Updates to the plan that protects the sources of municipal drinking water in the Long Point Region have been approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) announced today.
“The approval of the Source Protection Plan amendments is another important step in the continuing protection of municipal drinking water sources across the Long Point Region,” said LPRCA Chair, Mike Columbus.
The amended Long Point Region Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report were approved by Minister Rod Phillips on March 11, 2019 and took effect March 25, 2019. Some highlights of the amended assessment report include new or revised groundwater protection areas within Norfolk County; and the addition of a protection zone for nitrates within the Municipality of Bayham. Significant amendments to the source protection plan include the establishment of water quantity policies for the Simcoe water supply and policies to reduce nitrate concentrations within the Richmond drinking water system. An Environmental Registry of Ontario posting has a summary of the amendments: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/013-4630.
The source protection plan is a local science-based plan designed to protect the water quality and quantity of the local lakes, rivers, and aquifers that supply municipal drinking water systems. Within the plan are a variety of policies, programs, and actions to eliminate or manage potential risks to municipal drinking water sources.
Amendments to the plan were based on technical studies, collaborative policy development, and public consultation. The process was guided by the Lake Erie Region Source Protection Committee, which includes municipal, agricultural, business, industry, public interest, and First Nations representatives. “The many stakeholders involved throughout the plan update process should be proud of their work and this achievement.” said Wendy Wright-Cascaden, Chair of the Lake Erie Source Protection Committee.
The source water protection plan has been prepared under the Clean Water Act, 2006; with funding provided by the Province. Conservation authorities provided technical and administrative support for plan development; in conjunction with municipalities.
The amended plan and assessment report are available at www.sourcewater.ca.
For further information contact LPRCA General Manager Judy Maxwell at 519-842-4242 ext 225.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Update – Event Message # 2)
March 14, 2019Current forecasts are expecting a low-pressure system to move into the region from the American mid-west bringing rain and the potential for isolated thunderstorms. Rain is forecast to begin today and may be heavy at times with isolated pockets of thunderstorms producing up to 25 mm. Watercourses are expected to rise as a result of the combination of rain, saturated ground conditions and warm temperatures.
Due to the expected rise in water levels, the LPRCA is updating the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction. Current conditions and the forecast rainfall are expected to result in minor flooding in low-lying areas and unsafe conditions around watercourses.
People are cautioned to stay away from ditches, watercourses, ponds and other water bodies as the combination of slippery banks, unstable ice and cold, fast-flowing water can be 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 all of these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, March 22, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands and Waters Supervisor 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)
March 8, 2019Starting Saturday afternoon, a Colorado low is forecast to enter South-Western Ontario bringing warmer temperatures and precipitation. Up to 20 mm of precipitation by Sunday morning is expected with daytime high temperatures above zero continuing into next week.
With the forecast rain and above freezing temperatures, the majority of snow is expected to melt resulting in rising stream levels and possibly some nuisance flooding in low-lying areas. Due to the expected rise in water levels, the LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction.
People are cautioned to stay away from ditches, watercourses, ponds and other water bodies as the combination of slippery banks, unstable ice and cold, fast-flowing water can be 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 all of these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, March 15, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Flood Outlook for Lake Erie Shoreline
March 7, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Outlook for all areas of the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This updated message is intended to raise attention to the current and forecast high static water levels of Lake Erie. The potential for storm surge events continues to be increased as a result of the higher lake levels.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum (March 1st, 2019) reports that:
- Lake Erie’s monthly water level was 62 cm above average and 17 cm above last February, and the highest since 1998.
- Lake Erie rose 5 cm last month more than the typical rise of 2 cm.
As a result of the high lake levels, there continues to be an increased risk for flooding and erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline. The greatest risk for flooding and erosion in the Long Point Region in particular is from storms with sustained south-westerly and westerly wind storms. The risk for flood events along the shoreline is expected to remain high into the spring.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions and the increase in potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline into 2019. People are urged to use caution or stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will update this flood message as necessary.
Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.