Category: News Releases
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
December 18, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes the Municipality of Bayham, Norfolk County, and western Haldimand County.
A significant weather system is forecasted to bring high winds to Lake Erie over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds of 60 km/h from the west are forecasted, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h starting over night and into Friday evening. These high winds may result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave action.
Western Haldimand County may experience minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush, and increased erosion along the shoreline. Water levels at Port Colborne are forecasted to peak at 1.98 m (175.48 m IGLD) mid-day Friday.
Bayham and Norfolk County have a lower risk of minor flooding, as water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.17 m (174.67 IGLD).
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas along the Lake Erie shoreline experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore closely.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: 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.
LPRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS REJECTS PROVINCE’S PROPOSAL
December 17, 2025Media Release
December 17, 2025
TILLSONBURG, ON — On December 3, 2025, the LPRCA Board of Directors discussed Bill 68 Schedule 3, Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting No. 025-1257 Proposed Boundaries for Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities and the proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (LERCA) and passed a motion.
The motion states that the LPRCA Board of Directors acknowledges and supports the Province’s goals of improved efficiency, consistency and fiscal responsibility in conservation delivery; however, the LPRCA Board of Directors does not support the proposed “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority” boundary configuration outlined in the ERO No. 025-1257. It is proposed that the LPRCA will amalgamate with 7 other CAs including Essex Region CA, Lower Thames Valley CA, St. Clair Region CA, Kettle Creek CA, Catfish Creek CA, Upper Thames River CA, Grand River CA and Long Point Region CA to form the LERCA, encompassing 81 municipalities compared to the 8 current member municipalities.
The LPRCA Board of Directors encourages our member municipalities, partners and the public to carefully evaluate the province’s proposal and provide comments through the ERO No. 025-1257 Proposed boundaries for regional consolidations of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities by the closing date of December 22, 2025.
Below are examples of key messages you could include in your ERO response:
- Reduce the Size of the Proposed Region
The proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority, encompassing 8 conservation authorities and 81 municipalities, is too large to function effectively. Smaller, regionally focused models would better preserve efficiency, accountability, and local knowledge. - Ensure Strong Local Representation
Conservation authorities were founded on municipal partnerships and local decision-making. A single board representing 81 municipalities would significantly dilute local voices. - Keep Conservation Local
Local staff and offices possess critical knowledge of watershed conditions, land use, agriculture, and community needs. Centralized decision-making risks undermining public safety, environmental protection, and effective service delivery. - Protect Existing Programs and Services
Locally developed programs respond directly to community needs. A standardized regional model may reduce service levels, expertise, and accessibility. - Maintain Efficient Planning and Permitting
Conservation authorities consistently meet or exceed provincial permitting timelines. Regionalizing may create delays, more bureaucracy and the possibility of regulation limits increasing if standardized (LPRCA has Minister approval to regulate to the 100-year flood event standard vs. Hurricane Hazel storm event, which is a greater standard and would result in more area to fall within the regulated area). - Ensure Fair and Transparent Funding
A regional funding model must avoid shifting costs onto rural and smaller municipalities, especially if representation for decision-making is not reflected. Local conservation authorities already leverage municipal contributions with self-generated revenue and external funding, while provincial contributions remain minimal. - Recognize the Value of Local Conservation Lands
Conservation lands, assets and donations should remain under local stewardship, where decisions reflect community use, care, and long-term environmental responsibility. - Listen to Local Communities
The Province must meaningfully engage with municipalities, landowners, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, and community groups before making final decisions.
Community-based watershed management needs to remain local. Support LPRCA by submitting comments on the ERO posting or by email to ca.office@ontario.ca by December 22, 2025.
Associated Links
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
Contacts
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227 or jking@lprca.on.ca
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
November 30, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes the Municipality of Bayham, Norfolk County, and western Haldimand County.
A significant weather system is forecasted to bring high winds to Lake Erie over the next 12 hours. Sustained winds of 60 km/h from the west/southwest are forecasted, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h starting this morning and into Sunday evening. These high winds may result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave action.
Western Haldimand County may experience minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush, and increased erosion along the shoreline. Water levels at Port Colborne are forecasted to peak at 1.83 m (175.33 m IGLD) between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Sunday afternoon.
Bayham and Norfolk County have a lower risk of minor flooding, as water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.17 m (174.64 IGLD) between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Sunday afternoon.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas along the Lake Erie shoreline experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore closely.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until 8:00 am Monday, December 1, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: 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.
LPRCA is proceeding with business as usual following Government of Ontario’s Conservation Authority consolidation announcement
November 3, 2025Media Release
November 3, 2025
LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED, ON — On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks announced plans to create a provincial board-governed agency, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction to Conservation Authorities (CAs).
We understand the Province will introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.
Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities into several CA’s, with impacted interest holders, municipalities, CAs, and Indigenous communities.
This consultation will include a policy proposal notice period posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for 45 days, inviting review and comments on criteria applied to determine proposed regional boundaries and the proposed geographical jurisdiction of each regional CA.
With the current information available, LPRCA wants to reassure watershed residents that we are taking a status quo position in that there will be no change to current operations.
LPRCA will continue to provide the quality programs and services throughout the watershed including ongoing water quality, public safety, and watershed health work to protect people, property and the environment.
Associated Links
Contacts
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227 or jking@lprca.on.ca
MANAGING AND IMPROVING UPLAND/LOWLAND HABITAT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS
October 1, 2025MEDIA RELEASE
LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED, ON — Long Point Region Conservation Authority has received funding from the Invasive Species Action Fund through the Invasive Species Centre to control invasive species, specifically Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), in partnership with private landowners.
Inventorying, monitoring, pre-treatment and treatment of HWA has been completed in Coppens/Ferris/Armstrong Tracts, Hay Creek Conservation Area, Rugienis Tract, Harvey Tract, Haldimand Conservation Area, Jackson Tract and Hobbitstee Refuge.
The funding will help maintain the health of the Long Point Region watershed’s forests by facilitating on the-ground management and monitoring of the invasive species to preserve the wellbeing of the natural area while promoting and protecting Species at Risk.
Associated Links:
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/take-action/invasive-species-action-fund/
For more information, please contact:
Jessica King, Social Media & Marketing Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227
jking@lprca.on.ca
Norfolk County and Long Point Region Conservation Authority respond to low water levels at Waterford Ponds
September 12, 2025MEDIA RELEASE
September 12, 2025 – Norfolk County and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) are actively working together to monitor and address lower-than-normal water levels in the Waterford Ponds.
Following an exceptionally hot and dry summer, Norfolk County is currently under a Level 1 Low Water Advisory, as declared by LPRCA. This advisory is based on significantly reduced rainfall and stream flows across the watershed.
Other contributing factors may include natural obstructions such as beaver dams, which can reduce or slow water flow into the ponds. Norfolk County has completed a preliminary inspection of the Waterford Dam, limited to what is currently visible, and is in the process of arranging a more comprehensive inspection to ensure no operational issues are contributing to the situation.
While pond levels fluctuate annually depending on base flows, the current conditions are more pronounced due to the extended dry period. These low levels may place stress on aquatic life, but there is no concern for public health or safety at this time.
Any wildlife remediation efforts, such as addressing beaver activity, will be carried out in accordance with provincial and conservation standards.
LPRCA is monitoring streamflow and precipitation across the watershed as part of its Flood Forecasting & Warning and Low Water Response Program. Water users are encouraged to use water wisely to help conserve and protect aquatic ecosystems.
With the arrival of cooler fall temperatures and anticipated rainfall, conditions are expected to improve in the coming weeks.
Norfolk County and LPRCA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. For more information on the Low Water Advisory and conservation tips, visit LPRCA’s Low Water Response Program.
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Media contacts
Katherine McCurdy
Director, Corporate Customer Service and Communications, Norfolk County
519-420-9345 or katherine.mccurdy@norfolkcounty.ca
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate, Long Point Region Conservation Authority
519-842-4242 ext. 227 or jking@lprca.on.ca
BACKHOUSE HISTORIC SITE TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME
September 11, 2025PORT ROWAN, ON — The Backhouse Historic Site located within Backus Heritage Conservation Area in Port Rowan, ON came to life and took a trip back in time September 6th and 7th for the annual War of 1812 Re-enactment.
Over the course of the weekend, 150 re-enactors pitched their tents and transformed the historic village into a representation of a 19th century battle ground. Imagine civilians of the time cooking over the fire, children playing, sutlers selling, blacksmiths forging, soldiers drilling and musicians playing period pieces.
Hundreds of visitors watched as the British and Americans fought with muskets and cannons that produced loud blasts and smoke using blank projectiles, making it feel like you were watching a real battle scene. Demonstrations showcased the way of life back in 1812 and visitors were able to tour the Backhouse Mill, which is one of the few mills to survive the War of 1812.
Thank you to the following generous donors and volunteers who made this year’s event possible:
- CIBC;
- PK Construction Inc;
- Stengal Pumps & Well Drilling;
- Charlotteville Brewing Co;
- Norfolk Militia (Heritage) Regiment;
- Zehrs Tillsonburg;
- Port Rowan & South Walsingham Heritage Association;
- The Old Tyme Deli and Eatery;
- Starbucks Tillsonburg;
- Joy Bakery Café;
- Dolly’s Sandwiches;
- Michigan Girl; and
- All of the re-enactors and staff!
Associated Links:
https://www.lprca.on.ca/war-of-1812-re-enactment/
https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/war-of-1812-re-enactment-brings-history-to-life-at-backhouse-historic-site-in-port-rowan
For more information, please contact:
Jessica King, Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227
backus1812@lprca.on.ca
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) – Level 1 Low Water Advisory Issued for the Long Point Region Watershed
August 20, 2025MEDIA RELEASE
August 20, 2025
LPRCA urges water conservation throughout the Long Point Region watershed.
Water users throughout the Long Point Region watershed are being asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by “10 percent” because of the unusually dry weather in recent months.
Based on the cumulative lack of rainfall since mid-May and lower than typical stream flows in local watercourses, the Joint Water Response Team (JWRT) is issuing a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for all areas of the Long Point Region watershed.
The local Joint Water Response Team is made up of representatives from watershed municipalities, the local agricultural sector, other major water users, several provincial ministries and Long Point Region Conservation Authority. During a virtual meeting today, the JWRT noted the LPRCA watershed has been very dry this summer, having received only about 50-75% of average rainfall for this time of year over the past 90 days.
In response, LPRCA encourages everyone to follow their municipal water use bylaws and to reduce non-essential uses of water.
Urban and rural residents can help by restricting water use, such as lawn watering and car washing; identifying and fixing leaks; and taking care to conserve water indoors.
Irrigators can reduce consumption and the impact on groundwater aquifers and watercourses by following best practices for irrigation, such as:
- Arranging with their neighbor to stagger irrigation times;
- Pumping at a lower rate over a longer period of time and store water in a pond if possible;
- Ensuring that their equipment is running efficiently and not leaking; and
- Minimizing daytime irrigation, or when windy, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
By following these and other best practices, residents in the Long Point Region watershed proactively assist in minimizing the impacts of low water on aquatic ecosystems; conserving water supplies in the event conditions worsen; and hopefully limiting or reducing the need for stronger water restriction measures.
LPRCA will continue to monitor stream flow, groundwater levels and precipitation, and will provide updates as watershed conditions change.
Information on the Low Water Response Program is available on the LPRCA website at https://bit.ly/LPRCAlowwaterprogram.
For further information about watershed conditions, contact Saifur Rahman at 519-842-4242 ext. 265.
Deer Creek Fishing Derby: Local Police Officers Take Kids Fishing
July 22, 2025For Immediate Release
July 22, 2025
LANGTON, ON: Police officers from Norfolk County OPP Detachment will be available to help kids cast a line and have a whole lot of fun during the Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Day on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 8 AM to 12 PM at Deer Creek Conservation Area.
The derby would not be possible without the gracious contributions from the many local businesses including:
- Adventure RV
- Canadian National Sports Fishing
- Creative Design Ink
- Crimestoppers: Haldimand/Norfolk
- Berkley
- DMT Embroidery
- L.D. Sinden Holdings Inc.
- Lucky Strike Bait Works LTD
- Macdonald Turkey Point Marina
- Norfolk County OPP Detachment
- Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
- Ontario Power Generations
- Ramblin Road Brewery Farm
- Shannon & Nikki Porter – Porter Lumber
- Unilever
- Waterford Sand & Gravel Limited
- Zehrs Tillsonburg
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 the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting recreational fishing for all Canadians, and by the generous financial contribution of Canadian Tire.
For more information, contact Jessica King at jking@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 227.
To learn more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca, www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire or contact Donna at donna@impactcom.ca or 877 822 8881.
COLLABORATING WITH YOUTHS TO RESTORE CONSERVATION AREAS IN THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED
May 5, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5th, 2025
NORFOLK COUNTY, ON – Over the weekend, staff from Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) partnered with Port Dover Scouts to plant close to 700 trees at Lower Big Creek Conservation Area in Langton, ON. Staff also partnered with Girl Guides to plant close to 300 trees at Backus Heritage Conservation Area in Port Rowan, ON.
The reforestation efforts at the conservation areas will enhance the overall ecological health of the parks and the Long Point Region watershed. At Lower Big Creek CA, the recent removal of an obsolete barn from the property opened up valuable space and opportunity for natural habitat restoration. With the area now fully forested, staff will no longer need to maintain the former grassed areas.
LPRCA and the Scouts have a long-standing history of collaboration, working together for years to engage youth in watershed conservation and to promote stewardship of the natural environment. “If we teach kids to care for the land today, they’ll grow up knowing how to protect it for tomorrow,” said Paul Gagnon, LPRCA Lands and Waters Supervisor. The new collaboration with the Girl Guides marks an exciting expansion of local youth engagement efforts.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227
jking@lprca.on.ca