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Watershed Conditions Statement – Riverine Flood Outlook

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Please be aware that the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Riverine Flood Outlook for all areas within its watershed.

Precipitation across southern Ontario is forecast to reach 15-20 mm today with an additional 15-25 mm on Saturday. Additionally, above-freezing daytime air temperatures, as high as +10° cm are forecast for southern Ontario over the next four days. A moderate snowpack, ranging from 0-6.9 cm has been recorded throughout the watershed.

The above-freezing temperatures with added rain will result in the snowpack becoming saturated with water. It is expected that the entire snowpack will melt and release water which will create a potential for flooding in flood prone areas through the week into the weekend.

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 – if it is safe to do so.

Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. This Flood Outlook is in effect until Tuesday March 28, 2023.

Flood Watch in effect for Lake Erie Shoreline

The Grand River Conservation Authority and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority have advised that the passage of a strong low-pressure system is expected to bring high winds to Lake Erie on Friday, Mar. 17. This has the potential to affect residents and businesses in Lake Erie Flood Zone 1, along the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam, in the community of Port Maitland, and along the lakeshore.

The lower Great Lakes are expected to see sustained winds of 45 km/h from the south and southwest with gusts up to 70 km/h on Friday afternoon and early evening before easing overnight. The peak elevation of the surge is forecast to occur on Friday evening.

The public is reminded to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to the potential for strong waves 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. This message is in effect until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023. For the most up-to-date information, visit the GRCA website or LPRCA website.

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Public Advisory Committee recruiting new members

The NPCA’s Public Advisory Committee (PAC) was established in 2014 and consists of citizen representatives from various watershed sectors, who provide collaborative, local sector-based perspectives on specific projects/programs and other conservation authority matters, as determined by the NPCA Board of Directors or its staff. For nearly a decade, the voluntary group of PAC members have been instrumental in providing valuable input to the NPCA.

The updated Terms of Reference (External link) for the PAC was approved by the NPCA Board of Directors at their Annual General Meeting on February 17, 2023.

The NPCA is recruiting members to fill all the representative seats for 2023-2026 term, with meetings typically happening 4 times per year. If you are interested in gaining experience, providing advice on local environmental/watershed matters of community interest, and being part of a multi-stakeholder committee, please consider joining us!

Applications are now being accepted to fill the following representative seats:

  • Academic/Science/Research (1)
  • Agriculture (2)
  • Business/Industry (1)
  • Conservation Areas user and/or volunteer (1)
  • Development/Building (1)
  • Environment (1)
  • Planning (1)
  • Public-at-Large (up to 3)
  • Urban Indigenous (1)
  • Youth (1)

Appointed positions:

  • First Nations (2), appointed by First Nations with Treaty or historical affiliation to the watershed
  • Métis citizen (1), appointed by Niagara Regional Métis Council

Interested in joining the Public Advisory Committee? Follow these next steps!

Applications will be reviewed by an NPCA staff working group and successful applicants will be selected based on the quality and relevance of the application as it pertains to the vacancy posting, and the candidates ability to meet the roles and expectations of members. Recommended candidates will be contacted by staff and submitted to the NPCA Board of Directors for appointment.

The NPCA maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity and recognizes that diversity is a source of strength and works to champion inclusive attitudes and approaches to recruitment that lead to full and meaningful participation.

Learn more on the NPCA website (External link).