Cataraqui Conservation has extended its Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today to advise residents and visitors about high flows on some watercourses.
Weather Situation: Approximately 15 to 40mm of rainfall was recorded over the Easter weekend, mostly falling late April 4 and overnight into the morning of April 5. This was followed by snowfall on April 7 contributing additional moisture to the system.
There is significant rain in the forecast for the period of April 9 through April 16.
Conditions: Runoff from recent precipitation events has caused some streamflows to rise above normal. The ground has limited ability to infiltrate which will continue to enhance runoff from additional rainfall.
Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to maintain target water levels which trend upward to prepare for the summer recreation season.
Water management cannot prevent flooding. It seeks to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system. Discharge is already high through some dams to manage excess inflows.
Risks: The main consideration continues to be water safety. Water levels and flows are expected to increase from the forecasted rain. High flows are already occurring in some areas, such as on the Gananoque River system.
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.
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 the above listed managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:
- Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) - E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
- Portage Power (PP) - E-mail: info@portagepower.com
- Parks Canada - E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca. More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
- Cataraqui Conservation - E-mail: 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) Thursday, April 9, 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).
See below for watershed conditions terminology:
Normal: No flood conditions exist.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourse or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.