High Water closing docks on the Great Lakes

May 23, 2019
levels have not yet reached levels of 2017, shown at Ed Huck Marine in Rockport, ON

Well publicized high water levels are effecting boating throughout the Great Lakes system.

Some examples:

The International Lake Ontario – Saint Lawrence River Board (ILO-SLRB): Lake Ontario outflows continue to be adjusted to balance high water levels.

May 10, 2019

“With Lake Ontario caught between a flooding Lake Erie and a flooded lower St. Lawrence River, outflows from Lake Ontario continue to be frequently adjusted to balance the impacts of high water levels that are occurring throughout the Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River system.

“Several months of wet weather followed by especially heavy rains and snowmelt over the past few weeks caused record-breaking Ottawa River flows and resulted in severe flooding along both the Ottawa and lower St. Lawrence River.  Outflows from Lake Ontario were temporarily reduced, helping to mitigate – but not eliminate – the impacts in the lower St. Lawrence during the peak of this event.  Lake Erie water levels have been above seasonal records since the end of April and exceeded historic record highs at the start of May. Record inflows from Lake Erie combined with the reduced outflows to cause Lake Ontario levels to rise rapidly over the past several weeks.

“Lake Ontario water levels remain below the record highs of 2017 currently, but have reached the criterion H14 high level that applies this time of year, authorizing the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board to deviate from regulation Plan 2014.”

Ontario Sailing reports:

“Currently there are very high water levels affecting many clubs in Ontario.  This has caused a lot of docks to be covered with water and clubs to take on water.  Due to the potential hazards caused by this condition, many of our member clubs are unable to accommodate visiting boats at this time.  They are asking that you reach out to your membership and let your members know.

Below is a current list of our member clubs that have reached out to us with the status of their facilities.

Please contact each club for updates on their status.
 
CLOSED TO VISITORS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Alexandra Yacht Club – closed to visitors until water levels stabilize below the top of their seawall.

Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club – closed to visitors until further notice.

Cobourg Yacht Club – one dock is undergoing maintenance and is closed. Electrical power has been switched off to all docks.

Harbour City Yacht Club – closed to visitors until further notice.

Oakville Club – closed to visitors.  Will reevaluate in June.
 
OPEN TO VISITORS

Aquatic Park Sailing Club – open to visitors.

Bluffer’s Park Yacht Club – open to visitors.

Etobicoke Yacht Club – open to reciprocal cruises.

Island Yacht Club – open to visitors.

Lakeshore Yacht Club – open to visitors although vacancies depend on members visiting elsewhere as they are full.

Mimico Cruising Club – open to visitors.

Newport Yacht Club Stoney Creek – open to visitors.

Oakville Power Boat Club – open for business although their pump out and fuel facility are not operational as of yet. OPBC is asking that visitors call 905-844-3607 or send a request via their website for slip confirmation in advance.

Oakville Yacht Squadron – open to visitors.

Port Credit Yacht Club – open to visitors.

Royal Hamilton Yacht Club – open and above water.

Toronto Hydroplane and Sailing Club – open to visitors.

Whitby Yacht Club – open to visitors.”

Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Update as of May 7th, 2019

“High water levels and ice this past winter have caused significant damage to docks on Beausoleil Island and Bone Island. When Georgian Bay Islands National Park opens for the season on May 17th, a number of docks will remain closed to ensure public safety. Park staff are assessing the extent of damage and will provide dock status updates when they are known. It is likely that the most severely damaged docks will remain closed for the 2019 season. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Please refer to the list and map below for affected docks and follow the park Facebook page for updates @GBINP.

Campsites located at these locations will open for the season on May 17th, however access will be limited to small vessel beaching or hiking in.
List of docks currently closed due to significant winter ice damage:

• Tobey Dock 
• Chimney Bay 
• Oaks 
• Sandpiper 
• Tonch East 
• Tonch South
• Bone Island