Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Water Safety Statement today in response to a widespread, slow-moving weather system producing heavy rainfall.
Weather Situation: Rainfall totals recorded in the Cataraqui region on July 28 ranged from 6 mm to 26 mm.
Rainfall associated with a stalled low-pressure system continues today which could bring an additional 40 mm or more. However, there is uncertainty with the expected rainfall totals, as it is unclear which path the weather system will follow. The slow-moving nature of the weather system means that significantly higher rainfall totals are possible.
Conditions: Prior to the rainfall today, many gauged streams were in the normal range. Some have already responded quickly to the heavy rainfall today. Buells Creek, in the Brockville area for example, is already elevated and could rise sharply with additional rainfall.
Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system.
Risks: The main consideration is safety along watercourses. Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.
Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible.
If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality. Sand and sandbag availability and location information is provided at the bottom of this statement.
Requests for additional information associated with managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:
- Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) - kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
- Portage Power (PP) - info@portagepower.com
- Parks Canada - rideau@pc.gc.ca. More information is available here https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
- Cataraqui Conservation - info@crca.ca
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood
Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):
Residents in the Township of Athens: 44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags).
Residents in the Township of Augusta: Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the City of Brockville: Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/.
Residents in the Town of Gananoque: Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road - call first (613-382-4422).
Residents in the City of Kingston: Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site.
Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)
Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in in Lyndhurst
At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.
Residents in Loyalist Township: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee: Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes: Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-349-2314).
Residents in the Township of South Frontenac: 2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027).