Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph (media release, August 21, 2025)
Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph The Township of Lucan Biddulph, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) have partnered for a second year to make native trees available and affordable for Lucan Biddulph residents through the Tree Power program. There will be 250 trees available, all for $30 each. Orders will open online on Thursday, August 21. The trees will be available [...]
ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website
ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to introduce our new resource website, www.ProtectingOurWater.ca. This website will serve as the education and outreach hub for Source Water Protection in the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region. It’s delivered in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and municipal partners to equip residents, businesses, and planners with knowledge and tools to protect our shared water [...]
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area For the first time, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has installed live vegetated mats as part of a new restoration initiative at Pittock Conservation Area. Each mat, measuring approximately 0.25 m², was pre-seeded with native wetland plants, including broadleaf cattail, common arrowhead, and soft-stem bulrush. These species are well adapted to the shallow water conditions found in Southwestern Ontario. [...]
Tree Power returns to Perth South! (media release, August 18, 2025)
For Immediate Release Tree Power returns to Perth South! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well received each year with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 19 at [...]
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff recently waded in to help aquatic wildlife following an unplanned drawdown of Lake Victoria in Stratford. Water levels in the man-made lake slowly receded after a sluice gate in the RT Orr Dam could not close completely due to debris during a storm on July 24. The gradual decrease in water levels gave [...]
Perth South Tree Power returns!
Perth South Tree Power Returns! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well-received each year, with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 19 at 9 am. The trees will [...]
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards On a sunny afternoon at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA) on July 24th, our amazing team came together for the annual Staff Social BBQ—a well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. The event featured a classic summer menu of juicy hamburgers, sizzling hot dogs prepared by master chefs Steve and Elijah, and a sweet treat of ice cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It [...]
Debris Cleared and Sluice Gate Closed at RT Orr Dam in Stratford (media release, July 31, 2025)
For Immediate Release July 31, 2025 Debris Cleared and Sluice Gate Closed at RT Orr Dam in Stratford Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff have now safely cleared the debris that had prevented the sluice gate at Stratford’s RT Orr Dam from closing. With that sluice gate now closed, Lake Victoria will begin to refill. How quickly the reservoir fills, and normal recreational activities can resume, will depend [...]
Lake Victoria Drawdown in Stratford (media release, July 29, 2025)
For Immediate Release July 29, 2025 Lake Victoria Drawdown in Stratford During the storm on Thursday, July 24, a sluice gate at the RT Orr Dam in Stratford was operated automatically to release water and prevent flooding of upstream buildings and roads. While the gate was only open a short time, it was long enough to draw debris under the gate so that it could not be closed completely. [...]
Protecting drinking water in the summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer!
Protecting Drinking Water in the Summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer! As summer temperatures rise, so does our water usage — from watering gardens and lawns to splashing in backyard pools. While enjoying all that the season offers, it is important to remember that our actions can directly impact the safety and quality of our drinking water. The hot weather can increase the risk of contamination, especially near [...]