Information Bulletin - Reduced Water Levels on the Rideau Canal
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, JUNE 29, 2016 –The Rideau Canal is currently experiencing reduced water levels in the Southern Sector of the system (from Narrows Lockstation to Lake Ontario) due to a lack of precipitation and evaporation caused by unseasonably high temperatures.
Navigation is currently not impacted and boat traffic can continue to move freely across the entire system.
Parks Canada water management staff are working with our partners to manage water flows on a system wide basis to ensure sufficient water levels to meet the broad range of needs including recreation, municipal water supply and fisheries management.
Developments regarding this matter will be communicated through the Rideau Canal website and social media, and when required, through a Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Shipping.
For classic boat enthusiasts, the latest "Brass Binnacle" is posted
The Manotick chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society has published its summer newsletter, filled with news and photos of the many events and activities they have going on this year, including group cruises, socials and vintage boat shows. For those interested in purchasing a classic boat, a number are advertised in the newsletter's marketplace section. Click here to read the July 2016 edition of the Brass Binnacle; more information can be found on the Manotick Classic Boat Club's website.
One of the events planned is the Antique & Classic Boat Show at Rideau Ferry:
Ottawa International Antique & Classic Boat Show set for Rideau Ferry
The show is returning to Rideau Ferry this year, and will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 10 am - 4 pm. This is a non-judged event, and all wooden boat owners along the Rideau Canal system are invited and very welcome to participate. (membership in the Manotick Classic Boat Club is not required)
Click here to see the information sheet and registration form for the show. Anyone interested is reminded to register early, as dock and land display space is limited, and will be assigned on a first come basis.
"Around the Rideau" May/June edition of RVCA Newsletter
Click here to read the most recent newsletter of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
RVCA Reports on State of Middle Rideau Subwatershed
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has recently published a report on the Middle Rideau Subwatershed. This report summarizes the subwatershed’s health by looking at four indicators: forests, wetlands, shorelines and water quality.
The Middle Rideau is in the middle of the Rideau system and drains over 825 square kilometres. Water flows from the higher, rocky Rideau Lake Subwatershed into the flatter, farmland of the Middle Rideau Subwatershed. The subwatershed includes communities such as Jasper, Lombardy, Smiths Falls, Merrickville and Motts Mills. Water flows through the Middle Rideau on to the Lower Rideau at Burritts Rapids.
Click here for a link to the report.
Lake supporter Lamont Brown passes away
We were saddened to learn this week that Lamont Brown has passed away. Lamont was a very well-known gentleman in the community, and a respected contractor for many years around Big Rideau Lake. He was a long-time friend of the lake; for 37 years his familiar red barge was seen every spring and fall on Big Rideau as he set and removed the BRLA shoal markers.
There will be a Celebration of Lamont's life this Friday, June 10th, 1:00 -4:00 PM, at the Portland Legion.
The family has very kindly suggested anyone wishing to make a donation in Lamont's memory be directed to the Big Rideau Lake Association. You are invited to visit the Donations page on our website to do so online, or you can mail your donation to PO Box 93, Portland, ON, K0G 1V0. If you would like a tax receipt for your donation, please direct it to the Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation (RLEF); otherwise, it can be directed to the BRLA.
Poonamalie Dam Upgrade Complete
Parks Canada announced this week that major repairs at Poonamalie Dam at Lock 32 have been complete.
The Poonamalie earth dam and weir restrain the waters of the Rideau Lakes and are essential to both public safety and water management downstream.
Work got underway in December of 2014. The height of the dam was increased and its structure stabilized along its 660m length. The work will significantly reduce water seepage through the dam so as to not risk to dam performance. Guard rails were also added to make the site safer.
More work is planned in coming years as part of a $103.3 million Parks Canada infrastructure initiative, to preserve and restore this historic earth dam.
