News May 2019

Levels in Lake Nipissing and Mattawa River remain very high

(North Bay May 29, 2019 – 1 pm)   Water levels on Lake Nipissing remain very high, affecting the lower reaches of the La Vase River, Parks Creek, and Jessups Creek, and the Ottawa River remains high at Mattawa.  Chippewa Creek, the La Vase River, and the Wasi River remain above average for this time of year, possibly being affected by high water levels on Lake Nipissing, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to extend its Flood Warning to June 3, 2019.  NBMCA also provides updates on the 2019 Flood Event Update page. 

Policies implemented for protecting municipal drinking water sources; plan now up for review

(North Bay, May 24, 2019)   All policies established to protect the sources of municipal drinking water in North Bay, Mattawa, Powassan, Callander, and South River are now in place and being implemented according to the North Bay-Mattawa Source Protection Area’s 2018 Annual Report.

Class EA recommends replacement of bridge to prevent erosion on Chippewa Creek

(North Bay, May 27, 2019) The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), in conjunction with the City of North Bay, is seeking public comment on a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to address long term erosion and bank instability along Chippewa Creek near Oak St.

Levels in Lake Nipissing rising; Mattawa River slowly trending downward

(North Bay May 24, 2019 – 4 pm)   Water levels on Lake Nipissing are rising again from yesterday’s rainfall and are expected to continue to rise. The Ottawa River at Mattawa has resumed its slight downward trend following a rise in response to recent rainfall.  Several weather systems are moving into the area over the next five days, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to extend its Flood Warning to May 29.  For a full update visit the Spring 2019 Flood Update page.

Levels Stable Today but Vulnerable to Forecast Rain

(May 22, 2019 – 1 pm)    Water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River appear to be stabilizing following a rise after last weekend’s rainfall.  Both are still vulnerable to inflows and additional rainfall.  30mm rain is forecast for the next two days, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to update and extend its Flood Warning to May 27.  NBMCA also provides updates on the 2019 Flood Event Update page. 

Conservation Areas and Trails Open for Season

NBMCA’s 15 Conservation Areas and Trails Open for Victoria Weekend               

The 15 conservation areas and trails owned and managed by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority are opened for the Victoria Day weekend, including the pedestrian underpass on the Kinsmen Trail between Oak St. and Stanley St., with the exception of those listed below.  For more information, directions and trail maps of NBMCA conservation areas and trails, as well as updates on trail closures or service disruptions, visit www.nbmca.ca.

Flood Warning Extended and Updated

(May 16, 2019 – 11:30 am)    Water levels on Lake Nipissing continue to rise, affecting the lower reaches of the La Vase River, Parks Creek, and Jessups Creek, and the Ottawa River remains extremely high at Mattawa.  Substantial precipitation is forecast through this week prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to update and extend its Flood Warning to May 22.

Technology and the arts meet nature in Laurier Woods with launch of Forest Talk Radio May 25

A unique blend of story telling, science, and environmental education kicks off Saturday, May 25 at 9:45 am with the launch of Forest Talk Radio, a smart phone application you can download and listen to while you walk the orange and white trails at Laurier Woods Conservation Area.

Lake Nipissing and Mattawa River Rising; Rain on its Way

(May 8, 2019 – 4 pm)    Lake Nipissing could rise another 22cm and the Mattawa River could climb another 43cm due to the snowmelt in the northern watersheds and the 30-55mm of rain in the forecast, according to today’s updated Flood Warning from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s Flood Warning, extended to May 15.  You can also view updates on the Spring 2019 Flood Event Page. 

Lake Nipissing and Mattawa River rising; Peak Levels Still to Come

Water levels on the Mattawa River and Lake Nipissing continue to rise in response to continued snowmelt in the northern watersheds.  With the addition of 30-40mm of rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, the flood levels on both waterbodies pose flooding threats for shoreline properties extending North Bay-Mattawa’s Flood Warning to May 13.   For updates visit Spring 2019 Flood Event Updates on this website. 

Flood Warning for Mattawa; Lake Nipissing Continues to Rise

The Ottawa River is rising quickly; it has risen more than 30 cm (12 inches) since this morning and will continue to rise substantially overnight with the release of water at the Otto Holden Dam.  Flooding is expected in the Town of Mattawa and along the lower Mattawa River.  The Mayor of Mattawa has declared an emergency. NBMCA providing regular updates on 2019 Spring Flood Event page.

Lake Nipissing Reaches Flood Damage Level; Parks Creek Dam in Full Operation

Lake Nipissing has now reached the level where there is the potential for damage to shoreline properties and properties in the Parks Creek neighbourhood, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) to put the Parks Creek Flood Control Structure into full operation today. NBMCA is updating flood forecasting information on the Spring 2019 Flood Update Page of the website. 

Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area Closed

The Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area is closed today until further notice. The Parks Creek Backflood Control Dam will be in full operation May 2, 2019, to block rising water from Lake Nipissing from entering Parks Creek and flooding properties along the creek.  Water flow from Parks Creek into Lake Nipissing will be pumped around the dam.