Start to Canal Navigation Season Delayed
High water levels and flows caused by extreme amounts of precipitation have resulted in unsafe boating conditions across both waterways. For safety reasons, Parks Canada has delayed the start of the 2017 navigation season for the Rideau Canal and the Trent Severn Waterway by one week to Friday May 26, 2017.
Until May 26, 2017, the Rideau Canal and the Trent Severn Waterway are closed to all boat traffic and all forms of water-based activities are discouraged. This closure most importantly protect boater safety, and will help to prevent further shoreline erosion and property damage experienced by local residents and businesses. During this week, Parks Canada will continue to diligently make adjustments to water flows in order to restore safe conditions in preparation for the navigation season.
The public are welcome to continue to enjoy the canals' lock stations, which will be fully open to land-based visitors effective May 19, 2017 and lock staff will be on hand to welcome them.
All visitors are encouraged to always exercise caution around water but especially now with the current elevated water levels and flows.
For more information about the Rideau Canal, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rideau, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @RideauCanalNHS.
For the most current boater specific information, please follow us on twitter: Rideau Canal: @RideauBoatInfo, @RideauInfoNav
Special Flood Notice from FOCA
Message from Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations - Flood watches or warnings have been issued by the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for most of south-central Ontario, with rain expected in many parts of cottage country over the next few days. Access current information by clicking here.
Spring on the Lake in Photos
Projects and outings on Big Rideau Lake this spring have yielded a few photos!
We welcome our members' submissions; if you have photos to share, please let us know at communications@bigrideaulakeassociation.com.
Passing of Jim Potter
We have learned the sad news of the passing of Jim Potter, a greatly loved member of the boating community. Click here for his obituary.
RVCA Launches Strategic Plan
A renewed vision for a thriving watershed will guide the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) during the coming years. The RVCA board of directors unveiled its new strategic plan at its board meeting held March 23. The plan builds upon the Conservation Authority’s past 50 years of success and will guide it towards a sustainable future.
RVCA Chair Lyle Pederson and General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson are excited that the plan, entitled Conserving Our Watershed, Ensuring Our Future, charts a course to 2020. “We’ve worked hard to develop a set of strategies and plans that identify clear priorities for RVCA to undertake that are locally relevant,” said Chair Pederson. “These actions will benefit our local municipalities by protecting and restoring the value of our watershed.”
The RVCA’s renewed vision is for a thriving watershed with clean abundant water, natural shorelines, rich forests and wetlands, diverse habitat and sustainable land use that is valued and protected by all.
Four pillars guide program priorities to accomplish this vision:
- Develop and share watershed knowledge that advances decision making and leads to on-the-ground action
- Protect, restore and enhance watershed health and safeguard people and property from natural hazards
- Increase watershed awareness and appreciation and inspire action in others
- Operate a sustainable, well-managed, service-driven organization fueled by engaged employees
“All of our strategic priorities are also underpinned by five core values,” added General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson. “Collaboration, balance, knowledge, integrity and excellence shape all that we do and how we do it as we serve the Rideau watershed and the people who live in it”.
This strategic plan is just one of several products that guide the ongoing work and conservation efforts of the RVCA. The 2016 RVCA Annual Report, 2017 Budget and Work Plan along with information sheets for each of our member municipalities show the past, present and future of Conservation Authority efforts.
To see the full strategic plan or any of these products, visit our website at www.rvca.ca (under “publications”) or call 1-800-267-3504 to have a copy mailed.