UTRCA Conservation Areas Opening for Boating and Seasonal Camping (media release June 1, 2020)
June 1, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is opening day use, boat launches, and reservoirs to the public as of June 1st at 8 am at Fanshawe Conservation Area (London), Pittock Conservation Area (Woodstock), and Wildwood Conservation Area (St. Marys). "We are excited to begin offering boating this week and seasonal camping in the near future," said Jennifer Howley, UTRCA Conservation Areas Manager. "We also continue [...]
Wet Forecast for Victoria Day Weekend (flood bulletin, May 16-19, 2020)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK (Issued May 16, 2020 at 2:30 pm; Valid until May 19, 2020) A low pressure system forecast to move into southwestern Ontario on Sunday will bring rain into the region over the next few days. This system has the potential to bring a total of 50 mm to 90 mm of rain to the Upper Thames River watershed, mostly over Sunday and Monday. While [...]
May Long Weekend at UTRCA Conservation Areas (media release, May 13, 2020)
May 13, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) recognizes that this May long weekend will be like no other. The Victoria Day holiday weekend is traditionally the unofficial start of the summer camping season but that’s not going to be the case this year. "With the provincial COVID-19 Emergency Order in place, we cannot offer camping or boating over the long weekend," said Jennifer Howley, UTRCA Conservation [...]
City of Woodstock Pittock Dam Walkway Opening (media release, May 1, 2020)
Woodstock, May 1, 2020 – The City of Woodstock in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are excited and pleased to announce that access across the bridge of Pittock Dam will be open on Friday, May 1. For the first time in more than 40 years, pedestrians will be able to walk across the dam, linking the north and south shores of Pittock Reservoir. This latest complement [...]
2020 Thames River Clean Up Cancelled (media release, April 9, 2020)
April 9, 2020 - The organizers of the annual Thames River Clean Up regretfully inform everyone that the 2020 Thames River Clean Up is cancelled due to Covid-19. For 20 years, thousands of people have come together in late April to clean up the Thames River from Mitchell to Lake St. Clair, in celebration of Earth Day. The Thames River Clean Up has been rescheduled many times over the past [...]
UTRCA Conservation Areas during COVID-19 (media release, March 27, 2020)
March 27, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds the public that Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) continue to be available at the present time for walking and nature viewing. Please be respectful of nature and other visitors at all times. Guidelines for using UTRCA Conservation Areas for passive recreation during COVID-19: - Practice physical distancing on trails and in parking areas, do not [...]
Minor Rain and Thundershowers in Forecast (flood bulletin, March 18-21, 2020)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY / FLOOD OUTLOOK Issued: March 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm; Valid until: March 21, 2020) Current weather forecasts call for rain over the next few days, with the possibility of thundershowers. Widespread rainfall is expected Thursday with 10 to 15 mm of rain forecast across southern Ontario and isolated areas possibly receiving 20 mm. While the ground is wet from recent events and, therefore, [...]
City of London Boating Ban – Cancellation (flood bulletin, March 11, 2020)
SPECIAL FLOOD BULLETIN Issued March 11, 2020, at 6:45 pm RE: City of London Boating Ban The Thames River within the City of London has receded below boating ban levels. The City of London Police may cancel the ban and inform the media. See Thames River water level information See Types of Flood Bulletins
City of London Boating Ban (flood bulletin, March 11, 2020)
SPECIAL BULLETIN (Issued March 11, 2020 at 9:30 am) The Thames River within the City of London reached boating ban levels earlier this morning. The City of London Police may implement the boating ban and inform the media. The river is expected to recede below boating ban levels later today, at which time the UTRCA will email notification to London Police and Fire services. See Thames River water level information [...]
Conservation Authority Urges Caution around Local Waterways (flood bulletin, March 9-13, 2020)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY / FLOOD OUTLOOK (Issued March 9, 2020 at 3:00 pm; Valid until March 13, 2020) Above freezing temperatures over the past week, and continuing this week, are gradually melting the snowpack, resulting in water levels rising in local streams and rivers. Approximately 20 mm of rainfall is in the forecast for overnight tonight and tomorrow, which will add to the runoff. Low lying flood prone [...]