The purpose of this article is to briefly outline to the public within the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) Administrative Boundary the Conservation Authority’s, basic mandatory tasks during adverse weather conditions and flooding within the CCCA administrative area.

Under the Conservation Authorities Act, Conservation Authorities (CAs) are required to provide programs and services related to the risk of natural hazards that are prescribed in regulation (O. Reg. 686/21 ‘Mandatory Programs and Services’).

Separately from the organizational/administrative components of the above outlined regulation, the regulation sets the mandatory programs and services that CAs are required to carry out in their respective jurisdictions in relation to Flood Forecasting and Warning (FFW) and Ice Management. Commonly Catfish Creek Conservation Authorities (CCCA) advised role as outlined in the act and has an integral role with local FFW including the following responsibilities:

 

• Monitor weather forecast information and observe water levels and flows within their jurisdiction, utilizing both local and provincial resources.
• Maintain a local monitoring network, data collection, and flood warning system.

• Provide on-going analysis and knowledge of current and forecasted local watershed and river conditions and flood potential within their jurisdiction.
• Issue flood messages to the municipalities and media within their jurisdiction.
• Provide advice to their member municipalities in response to flooding.
• Other such functions and responsibilities as may be required under O. Reg. 686/21.

 

A CAs advised ice mitigation role as outlined in the act and has a connected role to local FFW incorporating the following responsibilities:

• The steps that are necessary to mitigate these risks include identifying equipment and resources needed to carry out these steps.
• Provide technical recommendations to jurisdictional municipalities for limiting or reducing the effect of ice jamming,

“Ice-related flooding tends to be local and highly site specific. While ice jams may be relatively common at a given site, they cannot be predicted with certainty in any given year.”  U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Design Ice Engineering Manual.

Due to the complexity and environmental variables, the CCCA does not undertake to formulate ice accumulation rates.  The rate of ice accumulation is not critical to CCCA’s Ice Management Plan, total end of winter season ice thickness is. Consequently, CCCA will monitor ice thickness and ice properties only once seasonally for ice mitigation purposes only. This assists with estimating ice jam-induced flood conditions. This ice thickness measurement is taken when ice conditions permit safe access. At least a week prior to spring freshet and ice breakup.

This winter season has seen several freeze/thaw conditions in the CCCA administrative area coupled with the increased flow conditions early ice accumulations have either melted or migrated out to Lake Erie. These past/present freeze conditions have been the most concentrated ice accumulation conditions this season. Catfish Creek will continue visually checking riverine ice accumulation and weather conditions for a timely access to check ice thickness/properties prior to the spring freshet.

Any ice correspondence and measurements ARE NOT for recreational use and are only for CCCA staff, Ice Mitigation Plan interpretations and public information.

Due to the provincial government’s mandatory regulation constraints and monetary restrictions, the CCCA does not participate in the actual physical aspect of dredging any longer.  The CCCA does provide technical expertise for steps that are necessary to mitigate ice jam risks, including identifying the equipment and resources needed to carry out these steps and providing technical recommendations to jurisdictional municipalities for limiting or reducing the effect of ice jamming.

As outlined in present conservation authority regulations, provincial government and municipal partner levy dollars are for the Provincial Mandatory Programs and Services which do not allow for creek sediment removal.  This function is now fully funded and managed by the Township of Malahide with technical recommendations from the CCCA.

This year (2026) is particularly troublesome as the ice thickness, snowpack, frozen ground, lake ice, and unforeseen precipitation may make this year’s spring freshet and creek breakup difficult to mitigate.

Watershed residents must assume the responsibility to safeguard their personal safety and belongings. It is highly recommended that residents pay close attention during their fall/winter preparations that properties and belongings are flood proofed. It is strongly recommended that when Watershed Condition Statements are issued by the CCCA all impacted residents must take these statements truthfully and proceed accordingly and as required. Primarily evacuate the flood area while if recommended and while still capable in lieu of placing first responders at risk afterward. After all we all want to go home at the end of the day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician