Cataraqui Conservation | Flood Outlook Update, May 13, 2026

Cataraqui Conservation is issuing an update to its Shoreline Conditions Statement today, advising municipalities and the public of stabilizing water levels on Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River.

The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB), who manage Lake Ontario outflows and forecasts water levels, reported the following conditions in their press release on May 11, 2026:

• The lake-wide average water level of Lake Ontario has remained generally stable at 75.35 m since Thursday, May 7.
• Declining Ottawa River outflows have allowed the Lake Ontario outflows to be increased. 

Conditions: The Lake Ontario water level measured today at Kingston is currently 75.32 m IGLD85* which is 0.82 m below the 1:100-year flood elevation of 76.14 m IGLD85. 

The current level of the St. Lawrence River measured at Brockville is 75.00 m. This is 0.72 m below the 1:100-year flood elevation of 75.72 m IGLD85 in that area along the river.

Lake Ontario water levels are expected to remain relatively stable for the next couple of weeks, around the elevation of 75.35 m, before beginning a slow decline.

The latest Lake Ontario water level forecast (updated on Thursdays) is available from ILOSLRB: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/forecasts

*International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 (IGLD85)

Risks: While water levels have stabilized, they could be sustained at about 0.30 to 0.35 m (30 to 35 centimetres) above typical summer peak for a couple of weeks before a slow decline will commence. Above normal levels are expected to persist through the summer and into the fall. During periods of elevated levels there remains an increased risk of localized impacts from wave action.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time. However, if you witness flooding and/or require assistance your first point of contact is the local municipality.

Staff will continue to monitor ILOSLRB forecasts and Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) Provincial Statements, and update Cataraqui Conservation messaging as needed. This Shoreline Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

For more information from the ILOSLRB:

• Water levels (updated every weekday): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/water-levels
• Flows (updated every weekday): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/flows
• Lake Ontario forecast (updated on Thursdays): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/forecasts
• Lake Ontario outflow changes (updated in real time as flow changes occur): https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/outflow-changes#flow_table
• Plan 2014 F limit: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/faq/4#4-8-2
• Criterion H14 triggers authorizing deviations: https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/faq/4#4-8-1
• Ottawa River conditions and forecast (updated daily during freshet): https://ottawariver.ca/

For up-to-date Lake Ontario and upper St. Lawrence River water levels in your area visit the following Government of Canada links:

• (Kingston) https://tides.gc.ca/en/stations/13988/2026-04-29?tz=EDT&uni
• (Brockville) https://tides.gc.ca/en/stations/14400/2026-04-29?tz=EDT&unit=m
• Marine Weather forecasts for Eastern Lake Ontario and upper St. Lawrence River:
  • https://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=11&siteID=08203
  • (Eastern Lake Ontariohttps://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=11&siteID=07200 (Kingston to Cornwal
• For further information on current provincial flood messaging visit www.ontario.ca/flooding
• For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood

Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):

Residents in the Township of Athens: 44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags).

Residents in the Township of Augusta: Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the City of Brockville: Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/.

Residents in the Town of Gananoque: Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road - call first (613-382-4422).

Residents in the City of Kingston: Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site.

Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)

• Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
• North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in in Lyndhurst
• At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.

Residents in Loyalist Township: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee: Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes: Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-349-2314).

Residents in the Township of South Frontenac: 2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027).