Stevensville Conservation Area
2555 Ott Rd L0S 1S0 Fort Erie, ON, Canada

On October 24, Friends of One Mile Creek, NPCA, and two groups of 25 wonderful volunteers completed a planting of 450 native plants and shrubs in the park area at the corner of King and John St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This planting, which was supported through the NPCA's Restoration Grant Program, will help restore the tree canopy that has been devastated by Emerald Ash Borer. Trees intercept rainfall in their canopy, slowing down runoff and allowing water to infiltrate th...e root zone. This helps flood control as well as biodiversity. Whether it's a creek or a lake, the strip of trees and shrubs that grow along the shoreline play an important role in nature. This riparian zone acts as a buffer between land and water, improves water quality and contributes to wildlife habitat. Read more at https://friendsofonemilecreek.org/trees-4-notl.

Are you ready for WINTER? Yes, we said it! Follow our Winter Wednesday’s social media to learn tips and tricks to stay safe while also protecting our valuable drinking water sources. Learn more about our Niagara Source Protection Plan at www.sourceprotection-niagara.ca.

Ontario's Conservation Authorities are at risk. The provincial government recently tabled omnibus budget measures Bill 229, Schedule 6 which proposes fundamental changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. As currently proposed, the changes to the legislative framework will impede Ontario's crucially important goal of building climate resilience for our communities. Learn more about these changes and what they will mean for Conservation Authorities like the NPCA, by registering for the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)'s webinar tonight at 7 p.m.

Niagara is under a Wind Warning as issued by Environment Canada, calling for very strong southwesterly winds gusting to 100+km/hr. These winds will significantly increase water levels and waves along the Lake Erie Shoreline. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently predicting water levels to increase by 1.98m (6.5 feet). Residents living along Lake Erie should pay very close attention to water levels and waves in their area and are urged stay away from the shoreline during this event. They are also advised to close storm shutters and take other flood proofing precautions as necessary. For more information on the flood status, visit npca.ca/flood-status.

Niagara is currently under a Special Weather Statement as issued by Environment Canada, calling for strong winds gusting to 100+km/hr on Sunday. These very strong southwesterly winds will increase water levels and waves along the entire Lake Erie shoreline. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently predicting water levels to increase above current levels on Lake Erie by 1.8m (5.9ft). Residents should pay close attention and are urged stay away from the shoreline during this event. Read more at buff.ly/2Gw3SCX

Last Thursday, the Province of Ontario released Bill 229, an omnibus bill of the provincial budget which included updates to the Conservation Authority Act (CA Act). The proposed amendments impact areas of governance, mandate, and permitting/enforcement responsibilities under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Consequential amendments to the Planning Act impact conservation authorities’ role in land use planning. The NPCA is hopeful that through a collaborative ...approach, we will be able to work with the Ministry to address our concerns regarding any potential limitations in our ability to protect, restore, and enhance our watersheds. We need to be able to deliver on our hazard management role, not only to protect the health and safety of communities, but to provide much needed greenspace to our residents. Read more at https://buff.ly/3knqoRL. More information to come soon and we will continue to keep our partners and community members informed.