Category: News Releases
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
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #3)
April 4, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch message previously in effect and is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook for the entire watershed. Although most watercourses have peaked and flows are now dropping, the elevated stream flows along with the forecasted precipitation tonight and tomorrow morning will cause watercourses to remain high into next week.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Monday, April 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-429-4899 should further information be required.
Note: Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch (Event Message #2)
April 3, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook to Flood Watch for the entire watershed. Residents near creeks and streams are urged to stay informed with the latest weather updates and exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Over the last 24 hours, the Long Point Region watershed received approximately 44 mm rain, causing creek flows to rise significantly. The riverine water levels and flows have already increased, and the rate of increase is expected to continue until they crest. Big Otter Creek flows through Vienna are currently expected to stay within the banks but are likely to resemble the high flows seen earlier in March (March 5, 2025).
Another 30-35 mm of rain is forecast to begin late tomorrow, Friday, April 4th, and continue into Saturday, April 5th. This combination of factors may overwhelm watercourses, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Riverine Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Monday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-429-4899 should further information be required.
Note: Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services, and landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #1)
April 1, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook for its entire watershed, urging people near creeks and streams to stay aware of changing weather conditions, watch for localised flooding, and be prepared if flooding becomes more likely.
A Special Weather Statement is in effect from Wednesday, April 2, 11:00 AM EDT until Thursday, April 3, 10:00 AM EDT, predicting significant rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm, with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Rain is expected to begin Wednesday morning over extreme southwestern Ontario before reaching the Golden Horseshoe Wednesday afternoon. With thunderstorms particularly expected in some areas of southwestern Ontario, rainfall amounts may exceed 50 mm in the Long Point Region watershed. The rain will end from west to east Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Under the forecasted conditions, riverine water levels and flows are expected to increase in the Long Point Region watershed. At this time, no major flooding is anticipated; however, some watercourses may reach or exceed their banks, creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas, and regions with poor drainage.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, ext.265 should further information be required.
Note: Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #5)
March 17, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety due to elevated stream flows in the rivers.
The watershed received 15-20 mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday, along with air temperatures well above freezing. As a result of the rain and snow melt, river levels have risen and are running bank full in many locations. While cooler temperatures have returned and stream flows are receding, water levels will remain high for several days.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM, Friday, March 21, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #4)
March 7, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch message previously in effect. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in place for the entire watershed due to elevated stream flows and forecasted weather conditions.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from snow and debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM, Monday, March 17, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Riverine Flood Watch (Event Message #3)
March 6, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch for its entire watershed. The Flood Warning for Big Otter Creek has been downgraded to a Flood Watch.
The watershed received 15-20 mm of rain yesterday. This, combined with the melting snowpack, significantly raised water levels and moved ice in local watercourses. With the rapid drop in air temperatures overnight, the rate of snowmelt and runoff decreased abruptly. Much of the water and snow remains in the fields this morning. Stream flows in the Big Otter have crested just below flood levels and are beginning to recede. Stream flows in Big Creek crested in Delhi overnight and may continue to rise moderately in lower Big Creek today. Flood Coordinators are encouraged to continue monitoring river conditions throughout the day.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Watch: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
Riverine Flood Watch and Warning (Event Message #2)
The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch for its entire watershed and upgrading the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for Big Otter Creek in Bayham Township.
The watershed has received 15-20 mm of rain over the past 24 hours. The rain, in combination with the melting snowpack, has created significant runoff. Water levels in local watercourses are rising rapidly and will continue to rise over the next 24 hours.
ACTION: The flows in Big Otter Creek at Tillsonburg and Calton have not yet crested. If flows continue to increase at the current rate, minor flooding may occur in areas along the lower Big Otter Creek in Bayham Township, specifically in the town of Vienna. Flood coordinators should closely monitor river conditions and warn property owners in the most flood-prone areas of Vienna about the potential for flooding.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Combination Flood Watch and Flood Warning will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note: Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
