Update: Draft Reduction On Rideau Canal Due To Drought Conditions
Aug 9, 2016
AVAILABLE DRAFT ON THE RIDEAU CANAL as of August 5, 2016
OTTAWA LOCKS to NEWBORO
CURRENT: Normal Draft. Normal Navigation
PROJECTED to Friday,12 August 2016: Normal Draft. Normal Navigation
NEWBORO to KINGSTON MILLS
CURRENT: 4 feet 8 inches
PROJECTED to Friday, 12 August 2016: 4 feet 5 inches
Original Notice: July 22, 2016
Effective immediately, the available draft in the southern section (from Newboro Lockstation to Lake Ontario) of the Rideau Canal is reduced from the standard five (5) feet.
This reduction is necessary to ensure safe navigation and is the result of low water levels due to a lack of precipitation and evaporation caused by unseasonably high temperatures.
Boaters travelling within this section of the Rideau Canal whose vessels draw greater than four (4) feet should consult the Parks Canada website or contact Rideau Canal Staff at RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca for timely information on water levels and available draft.
Navigation in the northern section (Ottawa River to Newboro Lockstation including the Tay Canal) of the Rideau Canal is not impacted and boat traffic can continue to move freely throughout this area.
Parks Canada staff are working with our partners to manage water flows on a system-wide basis to mitigate the impact of low water levels and to best meet the broad range of needs including recreation, municipal water supply, and fisheries management.
Updates on water level conditions and their impact on draft will continue to be communicated through the Rideau Canal website and social media, and when required, through a Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Shipping.
