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Flood Watch (Event Message #3)

February 24, 2019

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch issued yesterday for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Forecasts are continuing to expect very strong southwest winds with gusts of 100 to 110 km/hr to develop in the wake of an artic cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario today. Gusts near 120 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.

Updated surge models from both the Ministry of Natural Resources and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting Lake Erie to rise.

Based on current models the forecast below applies:

  • Current Lake Erie level in Long Point: 174.6 m (excluding waves)
  • Lake Erie estimated peak level in Long Point: 175.7 m (excluding waves)
  • Estimated time of peak: Sunday afternoon and early evening

Lake levels are expected to begin to rise late Sunday morning and peak late early evening. Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the lakeshore and implement measures as necessary.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing 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 noon, Monday, February 25, 2019.

Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.

Flood Watch (Event Message #2)

February 23, 2019

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch issued yesterday for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Environment Canada is continuing to expect strong southwest winds with gusts of 90 to 100 km/hr to develop in the wake of a cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario Sunday morning and afternoon. Gusts near 110 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.

Current surge models are predicting Lake Erie to rise to their highest level seen this year. Based on current models the forecast below applies:

  • Current Lake Erie level in Long Point: 174.6 m (excluding waves)
  • Lake Erie estimated peak level in Long Point: 175.6 m (excluding waves)
  • Estimated time of peak: Sunday afternoon

Lake levels are expected to begin to rise late Sunday morning and peak late afternoon. Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the lakeshore and implement measures as necessary.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing 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 noon, Monday, February 25, 2019.

Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.

Flood Watch (Event Message #1)

February 22, 2019

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

Environment Canada is expecting strong southwest winds with gusts of 90 to 100 km/hr to develop in the wake of a cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario Sunday morning and afternoon. Gusts near 120 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.

Currently, the surge forecast is uncertain. There is disagreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric (NOAA) surge models for predicting levels on Lake Erie. MNRF is not predicting a rise in lake levels whereas NOAA is predicting a 2.3 meter rise above chart datum (173.5 m) rise at Port Colborne. The uncertainty in prediction of levels is due to the uncertainty and variability of existing ice cover on Lake Erie.

Lake levels are expected to begin to rise Sunday morning and peak in the afternoon. If this surge level is reached, flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline
Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the conditions and stand by for further information.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing 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 noon, Monday, February 25, 2019.

Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.

Flood Watch (Event Message #1)

February 7, 2019

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

Environment Canada is expecting strong southwest winds with gusts near 90 km/h to develop in the wake of a cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario overnight. Gusts near 100 km/h are quite possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shore. It is expected that winds will begin to slowly diminish Friday afternoon.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Port Colborne to rise 1 m above the current level to an elevation of 175.5 meters (IGLD) and Long Point to rise 0.7m above the current level to an elevation of 175.2 meters (IGLD). Lake levels are expected to begin to rise in the early hours of Friday and peak late Friday morning to early afternoon. If this surge level is reached, some flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the conditions and stand by for further information.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing 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 4PM, Friday, February 8, 2019.

Contact Craig Jacques at 519-842-4242 ext. 265 or 519-429-2738 should further information be required.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)

January 23, 2019

A warm front is passing through the area today, bringing with it strong winds, above seasonal temperatures and up to 30 mm of rain by the end of the day.

With the forecast rain and above freezing temperatures today, snowmelt will result 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. Parents are reminded to keep children, pets and livestock away from all of these areas. Today’s freezing rain has made them even more hazardous than normal.

Strong south-westerly winds gusting up to 70 to 80 km/h are expected this afternoon, however limited impact along the lakeshore is expected due to the ice cover that has developed on Lake Erie. Colder air will return tonight, bringing the short-lived January thaw to an end.

With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, January 25, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.

Contact Craig Jacques, Water Resources Specialist at 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.

The Story of the War of 1812 comes to life at Backus Heritage Conservation Area

September 5, 2017

Port Rowan – September 5, 2017 – Join more than 200 soldiers and settlers as they set up camp for the annual War of 1812 Re-enactment. Each year on the weekend following Labour Day, historical re-enactors converge on Backus Heritage Conservation Area for what many people view as the highlight of the year – the War of 1812 Reenactment.

“Many visitors tell us that the War of 1812 Re-enactment is their favourite Backus Heritage Conservation Area event,” says Sheila Johnson, Curator at Backus Heritage Conservation Area. “For over 25 years, the Norfolk Militia Heritage Regiment has partnered with Backus Heritage Village to present an immersive experience of what life was like in Norfolk County during the War of 1812, specifically during the raids on coastal communities in Upper Canada in 1814.” The event includes battle demonstrations, an 1812 sutlery, costumed interpretation of camp life and the life of a soldier as well as medical practises of the time.

Programming and activities take place 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th. The main battle will be at 2:00 pm.

Backus Heritage Conservation Area is located 2 kilometres north of Port Rowan.

For more information about activities scheduled during the War of 1812 Re-enactment event visit lprca.on.ca or contact Sheila Johnson, Curator at 519-586-2201, ext 228.

Cops Help Kids Cast a Line

August 4, 2017

Langton, ON: Fishing enthusiasts from across the region will soon be making their way to Langton. The annual Deer Creek Children’s Fishing Derby is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 12.

The event will run from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm at Deer Creek Conservation Area and is open to kids ages 16 and under. The cost to participate is $3.00 for kids 7 and under or $4.00 for kids 8 to 16. Sponsors have donated tons of prizes for the kids in both age categories, with a special prize for the first kid who reels in a tagged fish. Registration for this event begins at 8 am at the pavilion. Day park use admission is required.

The event is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding worthwhile fishing, conservation and education projects. It is also supported by the Police Association of Ontario, Canadian Tire, Norfolk OPP Detachment, and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.

According to Bob Izumi, Chair of Fishing Forever, there is nothing that puts a smile on a kid’s face faster than catching a fish. “That’s why I love to create opportunities for children and families to go fishing,” states Izumi. “Fishing is one of the very best ways for parents and other adults to establish productive and healthy relationships with children.”

For more information on this event, please visit www.lprca.on.ca, www.facebook.com/LongPointConservation, www.twitter.com/longpointca, or contact Jarah Stefek jstefek@lprca.on.ca.

To learn more about Kid’s, Cops and Canadian Tire, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca, www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire, or contact Joanne Vaughn at events@kidsandcops.ca or 905 632 8679.

NORfolktales of Land and Lake takes the stage this August

July 14, 2017

Port Rowan, Ontario – July 14, 2017 – Local history buffs and theatre enthusiasts will not want to miss this upcoming event. For the first time ever, and in recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority and Anne Barber and Brad Harley of Shadowland Theatre are presenting the outdoor theatre production entitled NORfolktales of Land and Lake. This youth and community-based outdoor theatre production takes place this summer at Backus Heritage Conservation Area north of Port Rowan. NORfolktales is being created in four free workshop weekends at locations all across Norfolk County, culminating in an outdoor extravaganza from August 17 to 20 at Backus Heritage Conservation Area. Performances each night will be held at 7:30 pm. Tickets are: $10 for adults, $5 for youth (6-17) and free for children 6 years and younger.

“NORfolktales of Land and Lake celebrates the myriad of stories from both Indigenous and settler histories and traditions that form our sense of community in Norfolk County,” says Backus Museum Curator Sheila Johnson. “Tales of shipwreck and rum-running, invasions and rescues, heroines and mad doctors will all come to life in the historic Backus Village site,” she added.

The creative team behind NORfolktales includes Ian Bell of the Crooked Stovepipe and Shadowland Theatre’s Anne Barber and Brad Harley. They have collaborated on multiple projects in Norfolk County including Lion on the Lake held in Port Dover in 2012. NORfolktales is an ONTARIO 150 project funded by the Province of Ontario through the ONTARIO 150 Partnership Program, the Ontario Arts Council and the Youth Theatre Training Program of Theatre Ontario.

LPRCA to Host Longest Picnic Table – World Record Attempt

June 30, 2017

Port Rowan, Ontario – June 30th, 2017 – As part of Canada 150 celebrations, the Port Rowan/South Walsingham Heritage Association in partnership with the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is inviting people from across the region to help break a Guinness World Record for the Longest Picnic Table at Backus Heritage Conservation Area on Saturday, July 8th, 2017 at 1:00 pm. 150 picnic tables will be lined up in Backus Heritage Village from the Cherry Valley School to the Museum in celebration of Canada 150. Admission to Backus Heritage Conservation Area is free that day for all visitors bringing their lunch in a picnic basket to participate in this record attempt. Gates for the world record event will be open at 11:00 am.

“Picnic Day at Backus Heritage Conservation Area will include a host of activities for all ages, “says LPRCA Chair Noel Haydt. Highlighting the day will be World Record holder and illusionist Lucas Wilson who will be performing his magic starting at 2pm. The Picnic Day will also include food and dessert trucks, live music, picnic games, vintage baseball and of course, the World Record attempt at 1pm.

“It should be an absolutely great event,” added Haydt. “Picnics have been a large part of this region’s social culture, so what better place to host it than Backus Heritage Village.” The Backus Heritage Village is located at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, just north of Port Rowan.

Cops Help Kids Cast a Line

June 23, 2017

Port Rowan, ON: Local police officers will be helping kids cast a line this summer during a Children’s Fishing Derby, Sunday, July 2.

Taking place at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area, 1267 Second Concession, Port Rowan, the derby will run from 8 am to 1 pm. Children 16 and under are invited to “drop a line in the Mill Pond” for a chance to win great prizes. Anglers are asked to bring their own equipment, though bait will be provided. The cost to participate is $3.00 per child, plus regular park admission.

The event is sponsored by the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting recreational fishing. It is also supported by Fishing Forever, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, Canadian Tire – Simcoe & Delhi, Norfolk OPP and the Police Association of Ontario.

Fishing Forever chair Bob Izumi is an avid supporter of recreational fishing for both the young and the young at heart. “I love to create opportunities for children and families to go fishing,” states Izumi. “Fishing is one of the very best ways for parents and other adults to establish productive and healthy relationships with children.”

For more information on this event please visit www.lprca.on.ca www.facebook.com/LongPointConservation http://www.twitter.com/longpointca or contact Brandon Good, Supervisor at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, 519-586-2201 ext 221.

To learn more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca, www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire or contact Sarah McMichael at events@kidsandcops.ca or 877 822 8881.