Cataraqui Conservation Issues Updated: Flood Outlook Extended for Lake Ontario & Upper St. Lawrence River

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation is extending its Shoreline Conditions Statement today, advising municipalities and the public about water levels on Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River.

Lake Ontario water levels are expected to remain relatively stable or continue a slow decline over the coming weeks. However, higher water levels are possible if wetter-than-average weather and water supply conditions return.

By way of explanation, the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB), which manages Lake Ontario outflows and forecasts water levels, reported the following in its July 13, 2026, briefing:

• The lake-wide average water level of Lake Ontario has decreased two centimetres to 75.37 metres since Thursday July 9.
• If outflows continue to match or exceed net total supplies, Lake Ontario water levels are expected to remain stable or gradually decline in the coming weeks.

Conditions:

The Lake Ontario water level of 75.35 m IGLD85*, measured today at Kingston, remains 0.02 m (two centimetres) above the 75.30 m messaging threshold and 0.82 m below the 1:100-year flood elevation of 76.14 m IGLD85.

The current level of the St. Lawrence River measured at Brockville is 75.03 m. This is 0.69 m below the 1:100-year flood elevation of 75.72 m IGLD85 in that area along the river.

The latest Lake Ontario water level forecast (updated on Thursdays) is available from the ILOSLRB: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/forecasts.

*International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 (IGLD85)

Risks:

While water levels have stabilized and may continue a slow decline in the coming weeks, they remain about 0.30 to 0.35 m (30 to 35 centimetres) above typical summer peak and could be sustained about the 75.30 m messaging threshold into the month of August. During periods of elevated levels there remains an increased risk of localized impacts from storm surge and wave action.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time. However, if you witness flooding and/or require assistance your first point of contact is the local municipality.

Staff will continue to monitor ILOSLRB forecasts and Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) Provincial Statements, and update Cataraqui Conservation messaging as needed. This Shoreline Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

For more information from the ILOSLRB:

• Water levels (updated every weekday): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/water-levels
• Flows (updated every weekday): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/flows
• Lake Ontario Forecast (updated on Thursdays) https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/forecasts
• Lake Ontario outflow changes (updated in real time as flow changes occur): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/outflow-changes#flow_table
• Plan 2014 F limit: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/faq/4#4-8-2
• Criterion H14 triggers authorizing deviations: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/faq/4#4-8-1
• Ottawa River conditions and forecast (updated daily during freshet): https://www.ottawariver.ca/

For up-to-date Lake Ontario and upper St. Lawrence River water levels in your area visit the following Government of Canada links:

• · (Kingston) https://tides.gc.ca/en/stations/13988/2026-04-29?tz=EDT&unit=m
• · (Brockville) https://tides.gc.ca/en/stations/14400/2026-04-29?tz=EDT&unit=m
• · Marine Weather forecasts for Eastern Lake Ontario and upper St. Lawrence River:
  • o https://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=11&siteID=08203 (Eastern Lake Ontario)
  • o https://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=11&siteID=07200 (Kingston to Cornwall)
• · For further information on current provincial flood messaging visit www.ontario.ca/flooding
• · 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 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.