Cataraqui Conservation Update: Flood Watch for Inland Lakes & Streams

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation continues to have a flood watch in place for inland lakes and streams throughout the Cataraqui Region and is updating certain aspects today due to rainfall expected for later this week and into the following week.

Weather Situation: The Cataraqui Region experienced 6 to 7 mm of rainfall on April 5, with an additional 6 to 20 mm of rain being forecast for April 10 to 12. Some forecasts are calling for as much as 25 mm in the Kingston area over that time period, with even more rain possible for early next week.

Conditions: Conditions have been improving, with gauged streamflows returning to the normal range. Water managers are starting to reduce discharge through dams, however, levels on some managed lakes are still above average.

Risks: Streamflows and lake levels could increase with the forecasted rain. Some watercourses, such as the Gananoque River, continue to experience very high flows. The forecasted rain will sustain and potentially increase streamflows and water levels.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, flooding of low-lying areas is possible.

Specific locations that may experience or are already experiencing water levels well above normal seasonal averages include*:

Cataraqui Watershed:

Loughborough Lake (PP)
Buck Lake (PP)
Kingsford Lake (pp)
Devil Lake (PP)
Newboro Lake (PC)
Opinicon Lake (PC)
Sand Lake (PC)
Cranberry Lake (PC)
Dog Lake (PC)
Colonel By Lake (PC)

Gananoque River System:

Upper Beverley Lake & Delta (MNR)
Lower Beverley Lake (MNR)
Singleton Lake (MNR)
Charleston Lake (PP)
Gananoque Lake (PP)
Gananoque River – the reach between Marble Rock Dam downstream to the 401 causeway (includes Marble Rock Road (PP)

*Connected lakes and watercourses, associated with the above list, may also be affected.

Requests for additional information associated with the above-listed managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:

Parks Canada (PC)
Email: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More info is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
Email: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca

Portage Power (PP)
Email: info@portagepower.com
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, are advised to remove items stored in the floodplains of area watercourses and lakes.

If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality.

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.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, and update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 16, 2025. 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 that sandbags are available at the following municipal locations (separate municipalities):

• Residents in the Township of South Frontenac
  2490 Keeley Rd.., Sydenham – call first to schedule pick-up 613-376-3027
• Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes
  Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Phillipsville – call first 613-349-2314
• Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
  Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
  North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd. in Lyndhurst
  At both location, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.
• Residents in the Township of Athens
  44 Elgin St. North – call first to schedule pick-up 613-924-2044. Sand only, no bags.
• Residents in the City of Kingston
  Creekford Rd. 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 on site.
• Residents of 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 Township of Augusta
  Call 613-925-4231 x201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
• Residents in the City of Brockville
  Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.