Since water links all components of the environment, watershed management is the best way to prevent degradation of the environment. We undertake a broad range of programs to ensure the conservation of natural resources. The purpose of our water management activities is two-fold: to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage from flooding and erosion; and to maintain or enhance the quantity and quality of surface and ground water. PROJECTS AROUND THE WATERSHED Dozens of projects have been completed across the watershed in the more than 40 years of Lakehead Conservation's watershed management program. To view a synopsis of the extent of our activities, please see our "PROJECTS AROUND THE WATERSHED" page.

FLOOD CONTROL Great efforts have been made to protect existing developments from flooding. The LRCA's largest undertaking was the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway in Thunder Bay. The $15 million dollar project, completed in 1984, safeguards residential and commercial areas while providing a recreational resource to the community. Smaller scale projects have also been carried out, such as the flood prevention measures for the Village of Hymers in the Township of Gillies. Floodplain mapping has been completed on all major rivers and streams to identify areas where risk to life and property damage exists in our jurisdiction. Efforts are ongoing to refine our mapping.

Completed in 1984, the Floodway protects developments in the Intercity area and provides an important recreation corridor.

FLOOD FORECASTING When flooding threatens, advanced notice can help to minimize the risk to life and property in affected areas. Flood forecasting is an important aspect of the Authority's role as watershed managers. The Authority has an extensive flood forecasting system. Stream flow and precipitation gauges have been erected on numerous rivers and are connected to our central office computer. We also keep abreast of weather forecasts and monitor snow conditions. With this information, Authority staff can assess the potential for flooding. If the possibility of flooding exists, a flood advisory can be issued and an emergency procedure activated.

Owners scrambled to move their trailers to higher ground before the Wolf River peaked from heavy spring runoff in 1996. Advice through the Authority's flood forecasting role helped to minimize property damage.

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Preventing past development mistakes from happening again is the goal of our floodplain management efforts. The LRCA reviews various Planning Act documents, including official plans, zoning by-laws and their amendments, consents and minor variances. Under our Development, Interference With Wetlands & Alterations To Shorelines and Watercourses regulations , Conservation Authority approval is required to place fill, construct a building or alter a watercourse in a regulated area. The purpose of this review is to prevent indiscriminate development in the floodplain or erosion prone areas.

EROSION CONTROL Controlling river bank erosion helps to protect property, reduce the risk of flooding (by maintaining flow capacity) and conserve habitat. Erosion control and bank stabilization projects have been completed on sections of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway, Neebing River and Kaministiquia River, as well as Cedar Creek, Corbett Creek, Oliver Creek and the Slate River in our rural member municipalities.

The Kam River near King Road and Victor/Broadway was the site of a major project in the 1980's to stabilize the banks and protect municipal services.

WATERSHED PLANNING Lakehead Conservation undertakes resource inventory studies of various facets of our watershed. By studying existing conditions and trends, the Authority can recommend actions that will ensure future development will not adversely impact the watershed. In the last few years, reports on the Mosquito Creek, Pennock Creek, Corbett Creek, Cedar Creek and six Shuniah Township watersheds have been produced.

The Pennock Creek Watershed Development Study was completed in 1996 as an in-house project.

Neebing-McIntyre Floodway. Fill Regulations Services of the Conservation Authority Projects Around the Watershed

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Lakehead Region Conservation Authority P.O. Box 10427; 130 Conservation Rd. Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 6T8 (Canada) Telephone:(807) 344-5857  Fax:(807) 345-9156