Newmarket, ON – July 16, 2025 – The recent devastating flood events in Northern Ontario and across the globe, are sobering reminders that floods respect no borders, and their impacts can be catastrophic, impacting far beyond the immediate community.
These events reinforce why the work of conservation authorities is so important.
“Our primary mandate is to protect people, property and to build more resilient communities across our respective watersheds,” said Rob Baldwin, Chief Administrative Officer at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. “Regulating development in flood prone zones is probably the simplest and most effective way we protect people.”
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has developed a robust Flood Management Program which is built on three pillars:
- Preventive Regulation – We identify, map, and regulate development in and around watercourses, shorelines, wetlands, and other flood prone areas to reduce risk before construction begins. https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/regulation-maps/
- Forecasting & Warning – Our Flood Team continuously monitors watershed conditions and meteorological data to alert municipalities and residents of flood threats. https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/current-flood-status-riverine/
- Stormwater Management – We proactively work with municipalities and other partners to protect wetlands and reduce runoff and erosion. We encourage new and old developments to implement low impact development techniques such as raingardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales. https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/home/manage-your-stormwater/
Here are steps you can take to protect your family and your home:
- Understand your flood risk. Check our maps or call 1-800-465-0437 to find out if you’re in a regulated area. https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/regulation-maps/
- Sign up for flood alerts and have a 72-hour emergency kit ready. https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/bsc-kt-en.aspx
- Know your home insurance policy and ask questions if you’re not sure.
- Protect and help maintain wetlands. Wetlands act as natural sponges that absorb and store excess water, significantly reducing flood risk and damage.
- Support and create local green infrastructure; install raingardens, permeable pavement, or other features that reduce stormwater runoff.
- Know who to call! https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/watershed-health/flooding/
Our mission is to collaborate to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with innovative research, policy, and action.
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Media Contact:
Sinem Connor, Senior Communications Advisor
E-Mail: s.connor@lsrca.on.ca \ Mobile: 289-763-4507