Flood Warning Issued In Peterborough Area

Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood watch for Otonabee River, Jackson Creek and all other flowing watercourses in the Region

File Photo.

Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills, and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management are included in the flood watch.

The current extreme cold air temperatures can combine with a lack of ice cover and turbulent flows in area rivers, streams, and creeks to cause the generation of frazil ice which can lead to flooding. Extreme cold weather causing flooding has historically been observed in Jackson Creek and the Otonabee River but is possible anywhere that watercourses are uninsulated by ice cover and where flows are turbulent due to rapids or water falling over dams or waterfalls

Frazil ice – a kind of slush ice - can form when cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cause surface water temperature to be super-cooled (i.e., cooled below the freezing point), but the super-cooled water is unable to form a solid cover of ice because of fast moving water. As frazil ice flows downstream it will eventually come to rest against obstructions (e.g., islands, bridge piers and abutments), in low velocity areas (bends and slope reductions) or in areas of channel constrictions. Where it comes to rest, it will accumulate.

Where frazil ice accumulates, it is likely to cause a restriction of water flow downstream, thereby resulting in a rise of water, and possibly flooding, behind the frazil ice jam.

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This Flood Watch will expire on Feb. 1.

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Flood Watch Issued For Peterborough And Surrounding Areas

Otonabee Conservation issued a flood watch on Friday for all bodies of water in the Otonabee Region watershed.

File Photo.

Affected areas include municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

A strong cold front will make its way into Southern Ontario Friday, bringing warmer temperatures, rain and strong winds.

Temperatures will be above normal for this time of year with a high of 6 degrees C Friday and up to 13 degrees C on Saturday before dropping below zero Saturday night. Friday afternoon could see rainfall in the amounts of 10 to 15mm with an additional 10 to 20mm possible on Saturday.

With frozen ground conditions, the expected rainfall and potential heavy downpours, combined with warm temperatures and melting snow may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

As a minimum, water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas and higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Higher than normal water levels and flows will continue throughout the weekend as the expected rainfall and snow melt flushes through our waterways.

Residents are advised to be extremely cautious around all local lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks because shorelines/riverbanks will be slippery and could be undercut, and currents will be strong. Road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas may experience unsafe ponding conditions. Dams and other water control/water conveyance structures are especially dangerous and should always be avoided.

This flood watch will expire Tuesday Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

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Shoreline Residents Along the Indian River Should Prepare for the Annual Fall Reservoir Drawdown

Otonabee Conservation has announced that they will be adjusting water levels along the Indian River on or after Monday.

Hope Mill Dam. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Stop logs will be removed at Hope Mill Dam, Lang Mill Dam and Warsaw Auxiliary Dam.

During operations, shoreline residents can expect water levels to decrease above the dams; water levels and flows will increase below the dams. Water levels and flows will stabilize in the days following operations. In total, water levels will decrease 6 to 12 inches in the reservoirs.

Property owners upstream and downstream from the Hope, Lang, and Warsaw Dams should ensure that all boats, floating docks, etc. are removed from the water before this reservoir drawdown begins.

The Hope, Lang, and Warsaw reservoirs will not be restored to their current water levels until after the Spring freshet, which usually occurs before the May 24 holiday long-weekend.

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1,500 Native Trees Planted to Rehabilitate and Restore a Former Gravel Pit in Selwyn Township

1,500 native tree seedlings were planted this fall as part of the ongoing restoration of a gravel pit in Selwyn Township.

Photo courtesY of otonabee conservation

The trees were planted in partnership with Otonabee Conservation, NEFAB Canada, Selwyn Township, One Tree Planted, Caterpillar, and students from the Youth Leadership in Sustainability Program (YLS) from Kawartha Pine Ridge District school board (KPRDSB).

Students from the YLS program planted 300 trees, employees from NEFAB Canada Peterborough planted 900, with employees from Selwyn Township and Otonabee Conservation putting the remaining 300 in the ground.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Otonabee Conservation on this restoration project, and excited to plant 1,500 trees at the site this year,” said Mike Richardson, from Selwyn Township.

A variety of native species of tree seedlings were selected for the site including White Pine, Red Pine, White Cedar, and White Spruce, which will restore the site and enhance habitat for local wildlife.

"Environmental restoration and community engagement go hand-in-hand, and we're honored to support this initiative to not only plant trees but also have an educational opportunity for young people to learn about local ecology," said Diana Chaplin, Canopy Director at One Tree Planted.

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Flood Watch Issued in Peterborough and Area

A flood watch has been issued to the City of Peterborough and surrounding municipalities by Otonabee Conservation, on Wednesday.

Rainfall on Lansdowne Street, Wednesday. Photo by Davin Tuan Bui.

Municipalities that may be affected are Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

From Wednesday - Thursday a moisture-laden low-pressure system and associated cold front is moving through our Region. The system will bring widespread rain and isolated thunderstorms.

Heavy downpours are expected to deliver as much as 15-20 mm in one hour. Total rainfall amounts are expected to be in the order of 40-60mm on Wednesday and another 20 mm on Thursday. Higher amounts are possible due to thunderstorms. Some lingering rainfall may continue over the weekend, but the main concern is heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected Wednesday and Thursday.

Heavy downpours and thunderstorms can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads and low-lying areas. Localized flooding is possible. As a minimum, higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected in lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges.

Higher than normal water levels and flows will continue over the weekend as the significant rainfall receipts of today and tomorrow flush through local waterways.

Residents are advised to be extremely cautious around all local lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks because shorelines/riverbanks will be slippery and could be undercut, and currents will be strong. Road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas may experience unsafe ponding conditions.

Dams and other water control/water conveyance structures are especially dangerous and should always be avoided.

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Otonabee Conservation Campgrounds Open For Bookings

Two of the Otonabee Conservation’s campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Beavermead Campground have opened for their first bookings since Friday.

Seasonal camper Mike Fischer (left) is welcomed back to Beavermead Campground by Joyce Hyland (right) Gatehouse Attendant on the opening day of the camping season this past Friday. Photo Courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Both campgrounds were nearly at capacity; Warsaw Caves CA saw 92 per cent of sites booked while Beavermead Campground saw 87 per cent of campsites booked for the opening weekend.

Beavermead Campground site bookings are between 83-88 percent booked for weekends until the end of July while Warsaw Caves CA has more availability with 73-92 per cent booked. There is availability for mid-week bookings for campsites at both locations according to the press release.

While camping is now open, some of Otonabee Conservation’s amenities and services are still not available due to provincial guidelines.

Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Showers and laundry facilities are not yet available but Otonabee Conservation is working to bring cleaning procedures in line with Provincial health regulations and hope to have them available soon. Boat rentals and picnic shelters are currently not available.

“We have been working closely with Peterborough Public Health to ensure that our visitors are able to safely enjoy the benefits that nature has to offer,” shares Jessie James, Otonabee Conservation Manager of Conservation Lands, “Our practices and operations are aligned with the latest provincial recommendations; that means some amenities must remain closed at this time but we are hopeful that we will be able to expand our services soon so that our visitors can enjoy all we have to offer this year.”

Meghan Rankin, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area Gatehouse Attendant, checks in a camper on Otonabee Conservation’s opening day of the camping season. Photo Courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, where physical distancing and proper sanitizing cannot be ensured.

All closed amenities are clearly signed. Hiking, walking and biking have always been available at Otonabee Conservation’s properties during the pandemic.

The gates are now fully open at all properties, allowing access to seasonal amenities such as parking facilities, beaches, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.

Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves CA can do so online.

For more information about Conservation Areas, changes to services and amenities during the pandemic and FAQs, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.

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Otonabee Conservation’s Online Campsite Reservation System Launches On March 1st

Again this year, campers will be able to book their campsites online for Otonabee Conservation’s two campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Beavermead Campground.

The online reservation system will go live on Monday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. Campers are encouraged to reserve their campsite through the Let’s Camp online reservation platform. Those wishing to book a site at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area can click here and for Beavermead Campground click here.

The Lookout Trail at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area boasts a beautiful view of the Indian River, along with kettles, the disappearing river, and a waterfall. (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

The reservation system allows campers to view a map of the campground, select a site, book, pay and schedule their stay in an efficient, user-friendly and convenient way.

Campers are asked to utilize Otonabee Conservation’s online reservation system to book their sites ahead of their trip, to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them.

Beavermead Campground is located in the heart of the City of Peterborough (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

To keep campers and staff safe during the pandemic, Otonabee Conservation is working closely with Peterborough Public Health to take all necessary precautions including regular sanitizing, the use of face coverings, COVID-19 screening, and following all provincial restrictions. Some amenities will not be available during the pandemic including showers.

Campers are encouraged to visit otonabeeconservation.com to plan their outdoor adventure in the Kawartha’s and learn more about the Conservation Areas within the Otonabee Region Watershed that provide a diverse range of outdoor activities for all ages.

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Otonabee Conservation Offers Tree Seedling Sales Program

Otonabee Conservation is encouraging landowners in the Otonabee Region Watershed to enhance their property and help to fight climate change by planting trees.

Each year, Otonabee Conservation offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species for landowners to purchase. Orders can be placed online at otonabeeconservation.com.

“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment—planting more trees will help us fight climate change,” says Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program at Otonabee Conservation. “Last year, 89 landowners in our watershed purchased and planted 8,450 trees and shrubs through our Tree Seedling Sales Program. This will translate to approximately 2 million kg of sequestered Carbon over the lifetime of these trees!”

Meredith Carter, Manager of Watershed Management Programs at Otonabee Conservation, holds a bare root tree that was one of 4,500 trees planted at a watershed resident’s property in Otonabee South Monaghan Township last fall. (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

WHAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM

Landowners can choose from a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs, including: White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Highbush Cranberry, and Buttonbush, along with some unique species such as Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory, and Serviceberry. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species.

Orders can be submitted online now, for pickup in Spring 2021, with an order deadline of March 21st. Otonabee Conservation expects the seedlings to arrive at the conservation authority office in late April, at which time landowners will be contacted and pick-up times will be arranged. 

Details about the Otonabee Conservation Tree Seedling Sales Program and the online ordering system are available here.

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Otonabee Conservation & TD Collaborate To Plant Trees At The Brock Mission In Peterborough

More than 300 native trees and shrubs are being planted at the Brock Mission this week. The grounds at the newly built Brock Mission men’s shelter at 217 Murray Street is being planted with serviceberry, eastern redbud, tulip tree, red oak, white pine, honeylocust, fragrant sumac, and chokeberry.  

TD provided generous funding for this planting project as part of their commitment to supporting communities most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19.

“The benefits of planting trees are widely known,” says Dan Marinigh, CAO at Otonabee Conservation. “Being surrounded by trees can help mitigate stress, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mental health. We are pleased to collaborate with TD and the Brock Mission to add this greenspace in support of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”

Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission, stands next to a garden bed planted with fragrant sumac and spring flurry serviceberry at the build site for the new Brock Mission men’s shelter (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

"Too often the plan for greenspace in a project like ours gets eliminated due to financial pressures, so we are very grateful to Otonabee Conservation and TD for reaching out and ensuring that this integral part of our project is a reality,” says Bill McNabb from Brock Mission. “We are excited to be able to offer a safe outdoor space for our residents that will be filled with native trees and shrubs.”

For more information about Otonabee Conservation’s fall planting events, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.

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Otonabee Conservation Just Planted 1,500 Native Trees To Help Rehabilitate A Selwyn Township Gravel Pit

On Friday (November 6th), Otonabee Conservation planted 1,500 trees at a gravel pit in Selwyn Township in order to help rehabilitate the site and return it to its natural state.

Staff from Otonabee Conservation and Selwyn Township along with local Youth Leadership in Sustainability students planted white pine, white spruce, eastern white cedar, tamarack and red oak. These native species will provide habitat for wildlife, increase biodiversity at the gravel pit site, and will help to regenerate the soil that was previously removed during aggregate extraction.

“Each year, we partner with Selwyn Township to plant trees at various sites throughout the watershed,” says Dan Marinigh, Otonabee Conservation’s CAO.

“Projects like this contribute positively to the watershed community in many ways by mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing watershed health, and providing opportunities for students to get outside and engage directly with nature.” 

This is the final tree planting event of the season, wrapping up with a total of 5,690 trees planted across the watershed at eight different locations with support from many community partners including: City of Peterborough, Selwyn Township, Siemens Canada, Brock Mission, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Generous funding is also provided by Tree Canada, Forests Ontario, TD Canada Trust, and One Tree Planted.

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