Bulletins

SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO, May 5, 2023 – Recent rain events have contributed to high water levels and fast flows across the Rideau and Cataraqui watersheds. As such, Parks Canada anticipates potentially dangerous water flows and fast-moving currents throughout much of the Rideau and Cataraqui watersheds to continue until at least May 18.

Members of the public are strongly advised to stay off the water and away from all waterways, especially the Rideau River reaches between Smiths Falls and the Ottawa Locks, and to avoid all water control structures such as dams, spillways, and locks until further notice. The public is further advised to watch for significant water level fluctuations on all lakes and river reaches as we move water through the system in preparation for the opening of navigation.

The latest Water Management Updates can be found on the Rideau Canal Water Management InfoNet.

The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along the Rideau Canal. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.

Parks Canada also administers a Water Management Update Email Subscriber list for important updates. If you would like to receive these emails, please contact us at rideau@pc.gc.ca and include “Water Management Update” in the subject line.