News

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation including Otonabee River, upper Trent River to Hastings and local watercourses.

Otonabee Conservation’s Annual General (AGM) on January 20, 2026 highlighted nearly seven decades of stewardship within the watershed and celebrated this year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards.

Recent and above-normal air temperatures and rain may weaken ice cover in areas previously deemed safe for on-ice recreational activities. These weather conditions can cause slippery and unstable shorelines conditions.  People should expect higher than normal water levels and flows in area watercourses as a result of increased run-off from rain and snowmelt.  

This Watershed Conditions Statement is being issued due to the increased temperatures and the 10 to 20 mm of rain forecasted to begin overnight on Thursday.

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team has returned the Otonabee Conservation watershed to normal status.
The region’s improved status from a Level 1 Low Water Condition to Normal is the result of increased regional-scale precipitation and lower evaporation.

Crowe Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) and Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) have entered into a Shared Services Agreement for the position of General Manager.

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team has downgraded the Otonabee Conservation watershed to a Level 1 Low Water Condition, following its Level 2 status since August.

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team has declared a Level 2 Low Water condition for the Otonabee Region watershed.

Following a meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Water Response Team decided  that the recent rainfall has not been sufficient to improve current conditions. Minor water supply issues are already being experienced, and there is potential for major water supply problems.

Otonabee Conservation has declared a Level 1 drought due to a combination of low rainfall and high temperatures during June and July. These dry and hot conditions can affect crop yields, water supplies, and aquatic ecosystems.

A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY has been issued for Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW). 

Due to the unusually high-water levels and flows, Trent-Severn Waterway has announced a partial closure within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation to ensure public safety. There are no current flooding concerns.