Cataraqui Conservation extends shoreline advisory for Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River

Cataraqui Conservation has extended its Shoreline Conditions Statement for Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River, advising municipalities and residents that water levels remain elevated despite a recent decline.

The advisory, issued Thursday, July 16, remains in effect until Aug. 14 unless conditions change sooner.

According to the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, the average level of Lake Ontario has dropped two centimetres since July 9 to 75.37 metres. If water outflows continue to match or exceed incoming water supplies, levels are expected to remain stable or gradually decline over the coming weeks.

Water levels measured Thursday at Kingston were 75.35 metres, two centimetres above Cataraqui Conservation’s messaging threshold of 75.30 metres, but 82 centimetres below the one-in-100-year flood elevation.

In Brockville, the St. Lawrence River measured 75.03 metres, 69 centimetres below the one-in-100-year flood level for that area.

While conditions have improved, Cataraqui Conservation says Lake Ontario remains about 30 to 35 centimetres above its typical summer peak. Water levels could remain above the messaging threshold into August.

Although widespread flooding is not expected, officials say there is still an increased risk of localized shoreline flooding during periods of strong winds, storm surge or wave action.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed as conditions can change. Anyone experiencing flooding or requiring assistance should contact their local municipality.

Cataraqui Conservation says it will continue monitoring water level forecasts from the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board and Ontario’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre and will update the public if conditions change.