Otonabee Conservation To Plant Over 30,000 Trees For National Forest Week
/Otonabee Conservation is celebrating National Forest Week by planting over 30,000 trees and shrubs this fall season.
Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
Peterborough Blogs
Otonabee Conservation Receives Over $1 Million In Funding To Improve Four Local Outdoor Areas
/Otonabee Conservation has received over $1 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) towards four projects throughout the Otonabee River watershed.
Funds from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) will reinvent and revitalize Jackson Creek Trail, Harold Town Conservation Area (CA), Warsaw Caves CA, and Selwyn Beach CA.
“Otonabee Conservation is honoured to receive this significant investment from the Government of Canada to enhance four of our most popular outdoor recreation properties across the Region,” said Ryan Huntley, Chair of the Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors, “These improvements will provide a more enjoyable and inclusive outdoor experience for residents and visitors to our watershed that would not be possible without this funding from FedDev Ontario; we are grateful for this commitment to Conservation Areas and trails in our watershed.”
Otonabee Conservation was awarded $368,000 from the TRF to revitalize the Harold Town CA by increasing accessibility and inclusivity of trails and adding facilities such as picnic shelters and an accessible, inclusive washroom.
Through the CCRF, $524,000 was awarded to Otonabee Conservation for the revitalization of the Jackson Creek Trail. This includes bridge repairs and railing replacement, improved grading, and the addition of accessibility features.
An additional $189,000 from the CCRF will enable Otonabee Conservation to construct accessible and inclusive washroom facilities at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and at Selwyn Beach Conservation Area in Lakefield.
Each location will also include new signage and virtual/digital technology integration to enhance visitors’ experience and understanding of the habitat and wildlife along the trail, and to recognize First Nations heritage.
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Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors Announced New CAO
/The Otonabee Conservation (ORCA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Janette Loveys Smith as the new Chief Administrative Officer / Secretary-Treasurer, effective July 5.
Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
The selection committee included ORCA Chair Ryan Huntley (Township of Cavan Monaghan), Vice Chair Michael Metcalf (Municipality of Trent Hills), and Directors, Andy Mitchell (Selwyn Township), and Kim Zippel (City of Peterborough).
“Janette impressed the selection committee throughout the interview process citing many examples of her ability to address difficult and often politically complex situations,” said Huntley, “She will be a great asset to ORCA, possessing a lot of energy and creativity along with the skills and experience to guide the Authority through any challenges that lay ahead.”
Loveys Smith comes to ORCA with plethora of senior administrative experience in the municipal sector ranging from environmental protection and fostering Indigenous relationships, to strategic and parks master planning. Loveys Smith has held upper managerial positions as the CAO for the Sunshine Coast Regional District in British Columbia, and most recently, as the City Manager for Brockville, Ontario.
“I am excited to be joining Otonabee Conservation and continuing the important work the Board of Directors and staff have laid out,” Loveys Smith, said. “It is an honor to be a part of the ORCA team and I would like to thank the Board of Directors for this incredible leadership opportunity in work that is essential and close to my heart. I look forward to meeting all the partners and working together to ensure a successful and viable future for all at ORCA.”
After relocating to the area with her family, Loveys Smith looks forward to enjoying all that the Peterborough Region has to offer including her favourite outdoor pursuits: kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Dan Marinigh, Otonabee Conservation’s outgoing CAO, announced his retirement in March 2022; Marinigh will be retiring at the end of July and will be working with Loveys Smith to ensure a seamless transition for the organization.
Loveys Smith has a Bachelor of Arts from University of Waterloo and holds a Local Government Public Administration Certificate from Capilano University. She also holds certificates in Leadership and Executive Development from University of Virginia and Royal Roads University.
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Otonabee Conservation Urges Caution Around Water After Unusually High Water Levels Along The Trent Severn
/A water safety update has been issued for the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW). High water flows are possible, though flooding is not expected.
Photo by Luke Best.
Over the past 20 days, watersheds draining into the Kawartha Lakes from the north have received 100 to 200 per cent of the normal total amount of rainfall for this time of year, causing unusually higher-than-normal water levels and flows along the TSW.
As of Monday, Locks 1 – Trenton through to Locks 19 – Scotts Mills and Locks 22 - Nassau through Lock 27 – Young’s Point are closed to navigation until further notice. This partial closure will protect boater safety and help to prevent shoreline erosion and property damage. Boaters are requested to lower their speeds and watch their wake.
Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution on and around the water because water is an extremely powerful force that should never be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children and pets should not be allowed to approach the edge of waterbodies/watercourses. KEEP S.A.F.E. - Stay Away From Edges of riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be slippery and the banks may collapse because they are undercut.
Area water information 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 Conservation Precipitation and Water Level Data
Otonabee Conservation Releases First Ever Climate Change Report Card
/Otonabee Conservation has released their first ever ‘Climate Change Report Card’, one year after publishing their Climate Change Strategy.
File Photo.
The Otonabee Conservation Climate Change Strategy includes four goals, to Educate, Adapt, Mitigate, and Implement.
This report card tracks the Conservation Authority’s annual progress of implementing the Climate Change Strategy, tracking it’s goals and provides examples of the actions taken in 2021.
Highlights from the 2021 report card include the adoption of paperless practices including online forms for Hunting Permits, Property Inquiries, and Clean Water Act Notice Applications, and completion of an emissions inventory.
To view the full Climate Change Report Card click here.
Otonabee Conservation Conducting Spring Dam Operations
/Otonabee Conservation staff are conducting spring dam operations including placing stop-logs into dams and installing warning buoy-lines upstream of Authority-owned dams.
Hope Dam. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
The hazards around dams can be serious and if ignored, could include serious injury or death. Warning buoy-lines act like ‘floating fences’ that warn paddlers, anglers, and boaters to stay away. They are installed each spring and then removed in the fall before winter freeze-up. This is one of many public safety measures that reduces risks for people who enjoy water-based activities on local reservoirs and waterways.
In addition, land-based signs warn boaters of a dam ahead, and there are also signs mounted on the dams themselves that warn about the presence of dam inflow and outflow areas.
Dam operations will be undertaken over the next two weeks. The affected dams include:
Warsaw Dam (Warsaw)
Lang Mill Dam (Lang)
Hope Mill Dam (Lang)
Millbrook Dam (Millbrook)
Otonabee Conservation urges the public to respect the warning booms and signs and to stay away from dams.
The water around dams can look peaceful, but the area upstream and downstream is more dangerous than it appears. Water surges over the stop logs of the dam, creating strong undertows and currents around the dam. The most serious danger is that the water pressure can pin a body below the water for an extended period of time.
Otonabee Conservation Chief Administrative Officer Announces Retirement
/Otonabee Conservation chief administrative officer and secretary-Treasurer Dan Marinigh has declared retirement effective at the end of July announced Wednesday.
Dan Marinish has been with Otonabee Conservation since 2014. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
“Dan has been an outstanding CAO for Otonabee Conservation sharing his extensive experience and progressive approach to operational leadership, program development, and project management with the Authority’s board, staff, and the watershed community,” says Ryan Huntley, Otonabee Conservation chair.
Marinigh joined the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority in August 2014 after having worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the private sector and other provincial and federal ministries and agencies for over 40 years.
“Over the past eight years, Dan has done an excellent job of administering our provincially mandated responsibilities while expertly navigating changes to the Conservation Authorities Act,” says Andy Mitchell, former chair. “He has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout his tenure at Otonabee Conservation and has guided the Authority smoothly through the challenging times of the pandemic.”
The Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors is launching recruitment for a new CAO/Secretary-Treasurer with the incumbent commencing summer 2022.
Anyone interested in filling the role can visit otonabeeconservation.com for updates.
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Otonabee Conservation Releases New Floodplain Mapping Studies To Better Predict Flood Paths In The Area
/Otonabee Conservation has undertaken extensive floodplain mapping projects in seven high priority areas within the Otonabee Region watershed.
Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
Floodplain mapping has been created in study areas within Meade, Curtis, Jackson, and Baxter Creeks, North and South Kawartha Lakes, Ouse River in Norwood, and for several tributaries around Lakefield.
The objective of floodplain mapping is to identify the areas expected to be inundated during extreme high-water events.
Floodplain maps use data and technical models to predict the path of floodwaters—the area known as the floodplain. A floodplain map does not create a flooding hazard, it simply shows where the flooding will occur.
A map of the floodplain helps to determine where new buildings may be located and if a property is at risk during a flood or storm event.
“We will use the new floodplain maps to help protect property and human life,” explains Don Allin, acting manager of Plan Review and Permitting Services at Otonabee Conservation, “Our eight partner municipalities will also use floodplain maps to help direct future development outside the floodplain and by integrating them into municipal official plans we will all help to mitigate the risks of developing inside areas that are prone to flooding.”
Property and homeowners can also use floodplain maps to see if they may be affected by the floodplain. By searching their address, anyone can see if the property in question is at risk during a flood or storm event and in some cases, property owners may need to take measures to protect existing buildings from flooding.
Otonabee Conservation is hosting a Virtual Floodplain Mapping Public Information Centre (PIC) is from March 9 to April 9, to encourage questions and feedback from watershed residents about new floodplain mapping projects. To participate in the PIC
View Otonabee Conservation’s Floodplain Mapping Story Map
Search by address on the online Interactive Floodplain Map
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Submit any further questions or comments to Otonabee Conservation
Visit otonabeeconservation.com for more information about the new 2022 floodplain mapping.
Flood Watch Issued For Peterborough Area In Anticipation Of Heavy Rainfall
/A flood watch has been issued by Otonabee Conservation for all waterbodies and watercourses in the Peterborough region.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
Areas that may be affected include Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.
A low-pressure trough will bring soaring air temperatures reaching 6-7 degrees Celsius. Air temperatures will continue in this range over the next 36 to 48 hours ahead of an arriving cold front.
Also, ahead of the cold front is a total of 15 to 25 millimeters of rain. Depending on how the system tracks, there is a possibly that as much as 50 millimeters of rain will fall. As the cold front pushes into the region, there will be strong winds, a drop in air temperatures, and we will receive snowfall of 15 to 20 centimeters. This mix of vastly varying air temperatures, strong winds, differing forms of precipitation will make for messy conditions.
Uncertainty in total rainfall amounts translates to a possibility of flooding.
Current conditions include frozen ground covered by a snowpack that is 25-30 centimeters deep with a water content of 85-90 millimeters. Modelling of the warm air temperature/rain event shows 35-40 millimeters of rainfall/snowmelt will be available for run-off, possibly as much as 65 millimeters. However, the snowpack will absorb 5 to 10 per cent, helping to lessen the amount of rainfall/snowmelt to be released into area rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands. Ice cover break-up is not expected.
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. 21.
Otonabee Conservation Offers Tree Seedling Sales Program
/Otonabee Conservation is encouraging Otonabee Region landowners to enhance their property and mitigate climate change by planting trees from their Tree Seedling Sales Program announced Tuesday.
Meredith Carter, Otonabee Conservation Manager of the Watershed Management Program holds up an example of the bare root seedling stock that can be purchased through the Tree Seedling Sales program at Otonabee Conservation. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Consveration.
