Category: News Releases
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Watch [Flood Message #1 | November 29, 2022]
November 29, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Shoreline Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.
A significant weather system is forecast to bring high winds to the Lower Great Lakes Region tomorrow, Wednesday, November 30. Areas along the lower Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie, will see winds from the west 57 km/hour, gusting to 86 km/hour Wednesday afternoon and slowly diminishing into Thursday.
Forecast winds across Lake Erie will result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave heights, with the potential to reach local flood thresholds. This may result in minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush and increased erosion across the forecast area.
For the eastern end of Lake Erie, a moderate storm surge is forecasted, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to peak around 1.99 m above chart datum over the next 24 hours. Waves slightly over 1.7 to 2.0 m are also predicted for Lake Erie shorelines during this event.
Residents are urged to use caution and 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. A close watch on local weather conditions is recommended.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Watch is in effect until 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, 519-842-4242 ext. 232, should further information be required.
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Termination [November 28, 2022]
November 28, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is now terminating the standing shoreline condition statement issued on October 8, 2019 for the Lake Erie shoreline within LPRCA’s jurisdiction.
The Surface Water Monitoring Centre’s (SWMC) Interim Strategy for Issuing Provincial Flood Messages for Static Water Levels on the Great Lakes defines the beginning of month static water level for a Flood Watch on the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie as 174.50 metres above sea level (MASL). Lake Erie water levels have since declined below this threshold and are expected to continue dropping into the winter months. Lake Erie’s average October water level was 174.32 metres above sea level (MASL).
The current and expected static water level for Lake Erie is below the SWMC’s threshold, so conditions will return to Normal.
Please be advised that the threat of storm surge flooding is not eliminated. LPRCA staff will monitor conditions and update any messaging as required.
Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority Calls on Province to Reconsider Bill 23
November 22, 2022Proposed changes may jeopardize the Province’s stated goals by increasing risks to life and property.
Following the Ontario government’s introduction of Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, Long Point Region Conservation Authority is asking the province to reconsider some of the proposed legislative changes to the Conservation Authorities Act to ensure Conservation Authorities retain the ability to protect people and property from natural hazards, such as erosion and flooding. Last week, Long Point Region Conservation Authority submitted a letter outlining our concerns to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.
LPRCA’s letter addresses the Authority’s concerns specific to proposed legislative changes. The Authority will be submitting additional comments expressing concerns with various proposed regulatory changes through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) website. An overview of LPRCA’s concerns with Ontario’s proposed regulation changes can be found in the report the General Manager delivered to the LPRCA Board of Directors on November 2.
The full text of the letter submitted to the Standing Committee is below.
Dear Chair Scott and Honourable Members of the Standing Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, specifically, Schedule 2, Conservation Authorities Act.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is a rural Conservation Authority in southwestern Ontario. Our watershed includes some of Canada’s best agricultural land, and is dotted with towns and villages and bordered on the south by the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. For nearly 75 years, we have worked cooperatively with the municipalities within our watershed to balance human needs with the needs of the environment.
There’s no question that Ontario has a housing supply and affordability issue that needs to be pragmatically addressed. We support the government’s commitment to streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary barriers to development. We are proud of our proven track record of providing regulatory services that are streamlined and client-centred. We work hard to provide the best customer service to the municipalities, communities, residents and developers we serve.
We will do our part to help the Province meet its goal of building 1.5 million homes in Ontario over the next ten years. We think the outcomes stated in the More Homes Built Faster Act are important but we are concerned that the proposed legislative changes may have unintentional, negative consequences. Rather than creating conditions for efficient housing development, these proposed changes may jeopardize the Province’s stated goals by increasing risks to life and property for Ontario residents.
1. Municipalities should retain the ability to enter into agreements with Conservation Authorities for review and comments on development applications.
Bill 23 as currently written precludes municipalities from entering into agreements with CAs to provide advice on matters beyond the narrow natural hazards scope set out the Provincial Policy Statement, Section 3.1. Previous legislative amendments require agreements prior to Conservation Authorities commenting beyond the specified core mandate, thus allowing the municipalities to select the plan review services they require.
Our member municipalities rely on LPRCA’s water resources expertise to provide technical advice on natural hazards more broadly to avoid flooding, erosion and drought impacts, such as on matters of storm water management and wetlands. Bill 23 as currently written will prohibit CAs from providing this service, shifting the role to municipal staff who have neither the capacity nor expertise to address these natural hazard related issues. This will result in longer response times and increased costs, and impede the government’s goals for public safety and more affordable housing development. Instead of making the permitting process more streamlined, these proposed legislative changes remove an existing efficiency.
LPRCA has provided comments to municipalities in a cost-effective and timely manner for decades. LPRCA consistently meets or exceeds comment due dates and is currently working with our partner municipalities to further adapt review processes to meet the new timelines prescribed on municipalities.
Suggested Legislative Amendments:
That Schedule 2 of Bill 23 subsections 3 and 4 be removed in their entirety from the schedule and that complementary subsection 14(3) also be removed.
2. Development subject to Planning Act authorizations should not be exempt from requiring Conservation Authority permits and Conservation Authority regulations should not be delegated to Municipalities.
It is unclear whether the proposed exemptions will be limited to certain types of low-risk development and hazards, which we applaud, or if the purpose is to transfer Conservation Authority (CA) responsibilities to municipalities on a broader scale. The municipal planning process on its own is insufficient to ensure natural hazard concerns are addressed through design and construction. CA permits deal with matters such as building location relative to hazards and floodproofing design elements that are not included in the Building Code. Without limitations or further scoping, the proposed changes signal future delegation of CA permitting roles to municipalities that have neither the capacity nor the expertise in water resource engineering to ensure that people and property are protected from natural hazards. This will result in longer response times and increased costs, and impede both of the government’s goals for public safety and more affordable housing development.
We suggest that the Multi-stakeholder Conservation Authorities Working Group be reestablished to provide advice on development activities that may be suitable for exemption from permit requirements using existing clauses within Section 28(3) and (4) of the Conservation Authorities Act. This approach avoids unintended risk to public safety, properties, or natural hazards.
Suggested Legislative Amendments:
That Schedule 2 of Bill 23 subsections 7(2) be removed in its entirety from the schedule and that complementary subsections 13(2) and 14(1) also be removed.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments. We appreciate your consideration of the proposed changes in this submission to identify solutions that will increase Ontario’s housing supply without jeopardizing public safety.
Sincerely,
John Scholten, Chair
Michael J. Columbus, Vice-Chair
cc.
MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, Haldimand-Norfolk
MPP Will Bouma, Brantford-Brant
MPP Rob Flack, Elgin-Middlesex-London
MPP Ernie Hardeman, Oxford
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Watch Termination [Flood Message #2 | November 21, 2022]
November 21, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is now terminating the Flood Watch issued on Saturday, November 19, 2022 for the Lake Erie shoreline within LPRCA’s jurisdiction.
During Saturday’s event, high winds caused a minor storm surge. Lake Erie water levels did not reach the Stage 1 flood elevation for Port Dover, Port Rowan, or Port Colborne. No reports of damage and/or flooding have been received.
The standing Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Erie Flood Outlook will remain in effect until further notice.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and issue flood notices as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264, should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Watch [Flood Message #1 | November 19, 2022]
November 19, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Shoreline Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.
A significant weather system is forecast to bring high winds to the Lower Great Lakes Region today (Saturday) into Sunday. Areas along the lower Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie, will see winds from the south/southwest ranging from 25 to 45 km/h with the potential for higher gusts this evening (Saturday) into Sunday morning.
Forecast winds across Lake Erie will result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave heights, with the potential to reach local flood thresholds. This may result in minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush and increased erosion across the forecast area.
For the eastern end of Lake Erie, a moderate storm surge is forecasted, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to peak around 1.8 m above chart datum over the next 24 hours. Waves slightly over 1.5 to 2m are also predicted for Lake Erie shorelines during this event.
Residents are urged to use caution and 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. A close watch on local weather conditions is recommended.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore.
Water levels are expected to remain high until Sunday morning. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect until 12 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Brady Baker, 519-842-4242 ext. 265, should further information be required.
Annual Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarships Presented
August 18, 2022Scholarships help watershed students pursue post-secondary conservation education.
A presentation ceremony held at the Lee Brown Marsh on Tuesday, August 16 celebrated the selection of recent high school grads Ali Flinsenberg and Fred Wernaart as recipients of the 2022 Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship. The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee, a committee of Long Point Region Conservation Authority, awarded each recipient with $1,000 to help support the post-secondary environmental education they will begin this fall.
The recipients applied for the annual scholarship and were selected due to their established interest in environmental conservation, their upcoming education and their career aspirations.
Ali, an East Elgin Secondary School graduate, has volunteered and worked closely with environmental organizations including ReForest London and various Conservation Authorities. She will be attending Trent University’s new Climate Science and Policy program come the fall and hopes to find a career as a conservation officer. Fred, a Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School graduate, is a member and supporter of several naturalist organizations and associations and has been banding birds since childhood. He will be attending the Fish and Wildlife course at Sir Sandford Fleming College and plans to pursue a career in wildlife conservation.
Presenting the award, Marsh Management Committee chair Tom Haskett congratulated both recipients on their hard work and thanked them for their passion for conservation. “We are proud to help contribute to funding your education,” he said. “It is a joy to see individuals such as yourselves invested in the important work that is the conservation of our environment.”
Image: Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee chair Tom Haskett (right) shakes the hand of Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship winner Fred Wernaart. [Tuesday, August 16, 2022].
About the Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship
The Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship is presented annually by the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee and Long Point Region Conservation Authority to students in the Long Point Region watershed who are graduating from high school and pursuing a degree in an environmental or natural resources field at a post-secondary level. The scholarship was established to honour the former Marsh Manager, Leighton, and his wife Betty and their many years of service at the Marsh. Find more information online at lprca.on.ca/scholarship/
Children’s Fishing Derby to be a ‘Reel’ Good Time
July 26, 2022The Deer Creek Children’s Fishing Derby is back—catch plenty of fishing fun on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022!
The Deer Creek Children’s Fishing Derby will be held at Deer Creek Conservation Area on Saturday, August 13, from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Open to youth ages 16 and under, the derby is a great way for kids and their families to form fond memories and acquire a love of fishing. Cast from shore or launch a non-motorized or electric boat and fish the farther sections of the reservoir.
The cost to participate is $5 per child, plus admission to the Conservation Area. Space is limited, so an online pre-registration system has been made available. Visit https://bit.ly/DCderby2022 to secure your spot. On the day of the event, walk-ins will be accepted until capacity is reached.
The event is hosted by Long Point Region Conservation Authority and sponsored by organizations including the Police Association of Ontario and the Norfolk County OPP Detachment. A huge thank you goes to the many local businesses who support the Deer Creek Children’s Fishing Derby; the derby would not be possible without their contributions.
The Deer Creek Children’s Fishing Derby is part of Bob Izumi’s Kids and Cops Fishing Days. To learn more about Kids and Cops Fishing Days, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca, https://www.facebook.com/KidsCopsCanadianTire, or contact Jessica at events@kidsandcops.ca or 877-822-8881.
Event Details
DATE: Saturday, August 13, 2022
TIME: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – check-in opens at 8 a.m., prizes awarded at 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Deer Creek Conservation Area, 1929 Norfolk County Road 45, RR #2, Langton ON N0E 1G0
COST: $5/child (plus Conservation Area admission)
REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/DCderby2022
Annual Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award Presented
April 7, 2022Tillsonburg’s Paul DeCloet recognized for his substantial contributions to environmental sustainability.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority proudly presented Tillsonburg’s Paul DeCloet with the annual Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award at the Authority’s April board meeting on Wednesday, April 6. Paul was nominated and selected for the award due to his extensive contributions to conservation and environmental sustainability within the Long Point Region watershed.
Paul was nominated by Kristen Bernard of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, who highlighted his passion for the outdoors, decades of volunteer work, willingness to share his expertise and community land donations as clear examples of promoting and upholding environmental sustainability in the region.
An active volunteer with the local Lions Club, Paul has coordinated and participated in numerous tree planting projects. Ever dedicated to ensuring that the community is able to enjoy the outdoors and reap the benefits of a healthy watershed, Paul has recently donated a forested property to Norfolk County who will be maintaining the land with public access to the walking trails.
Paul is a familiar face at the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, not only because of his coordination of tree planting projects but because he served on the Authority’s Board of Directors from 1987 through 1997, taking on the role of Board Chair from 1993 to 1996.
“Conserving our environmental resources is a collaborative endeavor,” says John Scholten, Chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors. “Conservation Authorities are not alone in the effort to protect the environmental wellbeing of our watershed. Much of the planting and restoration work we do is only possible thanks to people like Paul and we are all the better for his gracious and inspiring willingness to share his knowledge and care for our environment.”
In his acceptance speech, Paul spoke to how positive an experience donating the forest property to Norfolk County has been. “I feel just as happy about it today as I did the day I gave it,” he said. “In fact, more so because I know many people are using it for what I wanted it to be. It has literally been a joy for me, what I do. And this honour that I receive here today from this Board makes everything just a little bit more meaningful than yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Image: Chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board, John Scholten (left) presents Paul DeCloet with the 2021 Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award [Wednesday, April 6, 2022].
About the Conservation Stewardship Award
The Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award is presented annually by Long Point Region Conservation Authority as a means to recognize excellence in conservation within the Long Point Region watershed. For information on eligibility and the nomination process, visit lprca.on.ca/conservation-stewardship-award.
Flood Outlook Statement (Flood Message #1)
March 4, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Outlook Statement for all areas within its watershed.
The watershed is expected to receive warm temperatures and rainfall this weekend, with temperatures above 10o Celsius anticipated. An average of 25.8mm of Snow Water Equivalent over the watershed was recorded on March 1, 2022. Light rain is in the forecast with 10-15mm expected between Saturday, March 5 and Monday, March 7. Frozen areas are expected to melt and contribute to watercourse flow. These conditions create the potential for minor flooding in flood-prone areas. Additionally, any watercourses with ice cover may have increased flooding through ice-jamming behind flow constrictions or bottlenecks.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Outlook Statement is in effect through Sunday, March 13, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Ben Watson at 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required
Riverine Flood Watch Termination (Flood Message #2)
February 25, 2022The Flood Watch issued on Monday, February 21, 2022 for watercourses in the Long Point Region watershed is now terminated.
All watercourses across LPRCA’s watershed have peaked and are now declining, however stream levels remain high and are running swiftly, and there is still ponded water in low-lying areas. Additionally, snow pack remains in wooded areas and river ice and associated ice jams are still present.
Due to these conditions, LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds and reservoirs are expected to continue to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Present conditions and flows from the past event can be viewed on the LPRCA website’s Flood Forecasting Data & Resources page.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor weather forecasts and watershed conditions.
Contact Paul Gagnon at 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.