Category: News Releases
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Message [ Flood Message #1 ]
March 16, 2023Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Water Safety Statement for all areas within its watershed.
On March 16th at approximately 8:00 pm, a strong low-pressure system is forecasted to enter the LPRCA watershed
and slowly cross the watershed for the next two days. The system carries warm air and a significant amount of
precipitation. Air temperatures in the LPRCA watershed are expected to stay above freezing temperatures overnight
and reach 7 – 10 degree Celsius on Friday. Total precipitation accumulation amounts for the duration of the two-day
event are forecasted to reach 15-25mm.
A snowpack, of approximately 7 – 20 cm and frozen ground conditions are expected to affect the LPRCA watershed
during this event. Under the forecast of mild temperatures, the snowpack will start to melt. Melting snow, rain, and
frozen ground conditions will produce substantial runoff. Due to the forecast of rain and warm temperatures and
considerable snowpack, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions
Statement –Water Safety Statement. Under the forecasted conditions, riverine water levels and flows will increase.
No major flooding is expected to occur based on this forecast however; some watercourses may reach or exceed their
banks creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, frozen water bodies, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of
slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning
properly; if the work can be done safely.
Water levels are expected to remain high for the weekend. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions
and will update this message as necessary.
Therefore, this Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement is in effect until noon, Monday,
March 20th, 2023.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, Water Resource Analyst at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should
further information be required.
Flood Warning Termination [Flood Message #3 | December 25, 2022]
December 25, 2022The Flood Warning issued on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 for the Lake Erie shoreline within Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s jurisdiction is now terminated.
During Friday’s event, high winds caused storm surge flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline. Lake Erie flood levels reached 175.64 metres (IGLD85) in Port Dover and 176.3 metres (IGLD85) in Port Colborne. These elevations correspond to flood stage 1 and flood stage 3 respectively.
While lake levels have since dropped, strong winds are still present. Therefore, a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Erie Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 8 a.m. December 26, 2022.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, Water Resources Analyst, at 519-842-4242 extension 264 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning [Flood Message #2 | December 23, 2022]
December 23, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is maintaining a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.
Water levels at Port Colborne are expected to reach up 2.97 meters above chart datum by mid-afternoon on Friday, December 23. Lake Erie levels will remain above flood warning thresholds from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Waves ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters are also predicted for the Lake Erie shoreline during this event. The likelihood of wave spray combined with freezing conditions will add significant hazards to this event and ice accretion should be expected.
Flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 4. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Haldimand County website; Lake Erie Flood Zones in Haldimand County (arcgis.com).
Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 1. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Norfolk County website; https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/norfolk-county-flood-mapping/.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore and should be prepared to warn affected residents and businesses within the affected flood stages areas, as noted above.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecast models and conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 8 a.m., Sunday, December 25, 2022 or until updated.
Contact David Proracki, Water Resources Analyst at 519-842-4242 extension 264 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning [Flood Message #1 | December 21, 2022]
December 21, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.
A very intense, slow moving Colorado low is forecast to bring high winds to the Great Lakes Region on Friday, December 23rd. As a result, Lake Erie will see sustained winds from the southwest moving at 40 to 50 km/hour and gusts of 90 to 110 km/hour throughout the day Friday before slowly diminishing over the weekend.
Environment Canada is currently forecasting a storm surge, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to reach 2.75 meters above chart datum throughout the day Friday. Waves ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters are also predicted for the Lake Erie shoreline during this event.
With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 3. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Haldimand County website; Lake Erie Flood Zones in Haldimand County (arcgis.com).
Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 0. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Norfolk County website; https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/norfolk-county-flood-mapping/.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore and should be prepared to warn affected residents and businesses within the affected flood stages areas, as noted above.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecast models and conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 8 p.m., Saturday, December 24th, 2022 or until updated.
Contact David Proracki, Water Resources Analyst, at 519-842-4242 extension 264 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Watch Terminated [Flood Message #2 | December 1, 2022]
December 1, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is now terminating the flood watch message issued on November 29, 2022 for the Lake Erie Shoreline.
Lake levels have declined sufficiently that a flood watch message is no longer necessary.
Present forecasts are calling for strong winds out of the west on Saturday. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
For more information, contact Paul Gagnon, 519-842-4242 ext. 232.
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.