News

Trail Notifications and Closures 150 150 MRCA

Trail Notifications and Closures

UPDATE-July 28, 2020

ALL trails are re-opened.


UPDATE-July 9, 2020

Bart Thomson Trail between Station Street and Deadman’s Point has been opened.


UPDATE-July 7, 2020

Bart Thomson Trail is still closed.
Bridge to Bridge Trail: rough patches behind ESC Theriault and TH&VS.
Rotary Trail: rough trail on sloped areas.


UPDATE-June 29, 2020:

The Scout Rock Trail has been re-opened. Some area still have smaller wash-outs, however the trail is passable.


Due to the heavy rains over the past 2 days, most of the MRCA trails have experienced major washouts and damage.

Bart Thomson Trail Closure:

The section of trail from the White Waterfront Park through to Northern College is CLOSED. Many sections of the Bart Thomson Trail around Porcupine Lake have also had major washouts. Residents are asked not to use the trail at this time.

Scout Rock Trail Closure:

The section of trail between Denise Park and McLean Drive is closed due to rain damage.

GENERAL TRAIL NOTIFICATION:

  • Bridge to Bridge Trail: Gillies Street access, behind ESC Theriault and TH&VS, along with the Airport Road area have all received substantial damage.
  • Scout Rock Trail: Behind the hospital has washed out areas.
  • Gillies Lake Trail: Low lying areas have water damage.
  • Rotary Trail: Some sections blocked off due to major washouts.
  • Golden Springs: Low lying areas are flooded.

Crews will be out repairing areas over the next couple weeks.

Harmful Practice of Feeding Wildlife 150 150 MRCA

Harmful Practice of Feeding Wildlife

Feeding ducks and geese might seem like a fun and kind thing to do, but many people don’t realize that it can lead to severe negative consequences, both for the birds and for the environment. for more information about the harmful effects on waterfowl, wildlife and our local environment, see our Feeding Wildlife page. 

Strategic Plan 2020-2023 150 150 MRCA

Strategic Plan 2020-2023

The Board of Directors and staff of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority completed our first strategic planning exercise throughout 2019. This information will guide our activities and decisions over the next 4 years.

Mattagami Region Conservation Authority Vision: A healthy, safe and sustainable environment.

Mattagami Region Conservation Authority Mission: We manage the conservation, protection and restoration of our watershed.

Our Goals

  • Protect People and Property
  • Connect People to Nature
  • Strive for Organizational Excellence
  • Inspire Watershed Champions

Read our summary of the MRCA Strategic Plan 2020-2023 here.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 19 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 19 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MAY 19, 2020

  • Generally, water content conditions for this time of year are above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed. The higher levels of water content are primarily due to the fact that there is still some snow present and it is being compared to historical normals for this time of year. The higher levels of water content should not present any issues as the freshet progresses.
  • Daytime temperatures are expected to range from +22°C to +26°C over the next 7 days. No significant precipitation is expected over the next 7 days.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape and flowing well.

Further updates will be issued as required.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 360-2660 or via email at [email protected].

See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2020.

The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms.  Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 4 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 4 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MAY 4, 2020

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal. Water content variances are ~160% to ~368% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • A general freeze-thaw cycle is expected where overnight temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing over the next 7 days. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 0°C to +9°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long have been completed, and where possible, these reservoirs have been drawn lower than normal in preparation for the snowmelt. As a result of the recent rain and snowmelt conditions, inflows are higher than normal for this time of year and storage reservoirs are being managed in consultation with the Flood Advisory Committee in an attempt to “peak shave” and mitigate high water concerns in the City of Timmins.
  • Town Creek, Crawford Creek and other area watercourses are flowing well. All watercourses will continue to be closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff. Stream flows and water levels continue to be monitored on a daily basis.
  • The Timmins Flood Advisory Committee has been meeting regularly to review current conditions. Currently, there is Flood Warning messaging for the Mattagami River. This Flood Warning will remain in effect until May 8, 2020 and then re-evaluated based on current conditions.
  • OPG River System Data / Water Levels and Flow – www.opg.com/river

The next update will be issued on or about May 15, 2020.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 360-2660 or via email at [email protected].

See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2020.

The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms.  Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 16 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 16 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – APRIL 16, 2020

Below, you will find the latest Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal, except for the Mattagami and Gogama snowcourse stations, which are slightly below normal at 98.0% and 88.1% respectively. Water content variances, for the other stations are 124.1% to 160.0% above normal through the rest of the Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • A general freeze-thaw cycle is expected over the next week as nighttime temperatures drop below 0°C. Current forecasts show minimal precipitation with no major weather systems expected over the coming week. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from -3°C to +7°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long have been completed, and where possible, these reservoirs have been drawn lower than normal over the winter in preparation for freshet. As a result of the recent rain and snowmelt, we have seen some of these reservoirs begin to build, and inflows are about normal for this time of year. Storage reservoirs are being managed in consultation with the Timmins Flood Advisory Committee.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape.
    Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff for the potential of ice damming.
  • OPG River System Data / Water Levels and Flow – www.opg.com/river
  • The next Update will be issued on, or about May 1.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 360-2660 or via email at [email protected].

See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2020.

The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms. Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 2 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 2 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE-APRIL 2, 2020

Below, you will find the latest Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal, except for the Porcupine and Shillington snowcourse stations, which are normal and slightly below, respectively. Water content variances, for the other stations are 113.6% to 157.4% above normal through the rest of the Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts show minimal precipitation with no major weather systems expected over the coming week. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 0°C to +10°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Peter Long and Wawaitin are complete and reservoirs are being held near the bottom until the onset of freshet.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape. Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff for the potential of ice damming.
  • The Timmins Flood Advisory Committee will commence teleconference meetings April 2.
  • The next Update will be issued on or about April 15, 2020.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 360-2660 or via email at [email protected].

See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics Report page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2020.

The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms. Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared. 

COVID-19 Service Disruption Updates 150 150 MRCA

COVID-19 Service Disruption Updates

MARCH 31, 2020

The latest information from the Office of the Premier is as follows:

Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed
This new order would close all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren’t otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed. (see the full media release)

MRCA staff continue to work remotely and are available by email. Trails are not being maintained, other than weekly garbage pick up. We fully support the public health recommendations that everyone stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.

If you continue to use our trails and conservation areas, we ask that you maintain your social distance from others, keep dogs on leash, pick up after your pet, and please use the provided cans to dispose of any garbage. If you see any major damage, please contact our office at [email protected]

Stay home, stay well and stop the spread of COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date health information see:

Public Health Agency of Canada

Ontario Ministry of Health

Public Health Ontario


MARCH 24, 2020

The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and take steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and community.

Our office is closed until further notice. Staff are working remotely during this time and are monitoring emails. There is no voicemail access. If you wish to contact a staff member see our contact us page for email addresses. For general inquiries, or if you are unsure which person to contact, please email [email protected]. We are committed to providing the best possible service and will work with you through email to ensure your questions are answered.

Our essential services such as flood forecasting and monitoring will continue without interruption. We will also continue to review development and site alteration applications.

Trails and conservation areas will remain open to the public, however there will be limited maintenance until further notice. Trails in the Hersey Lake and Gillies Lake Conservation Areas will no longer be groomed. Please use discretion, as you are entering at your own risk. Washroom facilities are not to be used.

We remind all visitors that dogs MUST be on leashes in all conservation areas and on our trails. Be sure to properly dispose of pet waste. Please help keep conservation areas beautiful during this difficult period.

Do not use our conservation areas and trails for social gatherings of any kind. For the safety of our community, it is critical that we support global and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ontario Ministry of Health currently (as of March 24) recommends “Everyone in Ontario should be practicing social distancing to reduce their exposure to other people. Everyone in Ontario should do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families. Close contact includes being within two (2) meters of another person.”

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause however the health and safety of our staff and community is of the utmost importance.


MARCH 17, 2020

Safety is our number one priority at the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. We are taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. As of today, March 17, 2020, our office is closed to the general public. Staff continue to be available by phone or email. Please refer to our staff directory for contact information.

Essential services including watershed monitoring, flood forecasting programs and planning requests are ongoing. We will continue to communicate flood information to municipal representatives and post updates on our website and social media.

Access to trails in our conservation areas remains open for the public to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being out in nature. We remind visitors that dogs are to be leashed at all times and owners are to pick up after their dogs. We caution Hersey Lake Conservation Area users that the park outhouses/washrooms are not regularly disinfected throughout the winter months. They are not closed, but should be used with caution.

While possible, we will continue to groom the Hersey Lake and Gillies Lake trails for walking.

If changes to our offered services are required at any time, we will notify the public via our website and social media channels.

COVID-19 Service Disruption Updates 150 150 MRCA

COVID-19 Service Disruption Updates

MARCH 24, 2020

The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and take steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and community.

Our office is closed until further notice. Staff are working remotely during this time and are monitoring emails. There is no voicemail access. If you wish to contact a staff member see our contact us page for email addresses. For general inquiries, or if you are unsure which person to contact, please email [email protected]. We are committed to providing the best possible service and will work with you through email to ensure your questions are answered.

Our essential services such as flood forecasting and monitoring will continue without interruption. We will also continue to review development and site alteration applications.

Trails and conservation areas will remain open to the public, however there will be limited maintenance until further notice. Trails in the Hersey Lake and Gillies Lake Conservation Areas will no longer be groomed. Please use discretion, as you are entering at your own risk. Washroom facilities are not to be used.

We remind all visitors that dogs MUST be on leashes in all conservation areas and on our trails. Be sure to properly dispose of pet waste. Please help keep conservation areas beautiful during this difficult period.

Do not use our conservation areas and trails for social gatherings of any kind. For the safety of our community, it is critical that we support global and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ontario Ministry of Health currently (as of March 24) recommends “Everyone in Ontario should be practicing social distancing to reduce their exposure to other people. Everyone in Ontario should do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families. Close contact includes being within two (2) meters of another person.”

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause however the health and safety of our staff and community is of the utmost importance.

For the most up-to-date health information see:

Public Health Agency of Canada

Ontario Ministry of Health

Public Health Ontario


MARCH 17, 2020

Safety is our number one priority at the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. We are taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. As of today, March 17, 2020, our office is closed to the general public. Staff continue to be available by phone or email. Please refer to our staff directory for contact information.

Essential services including watershed monitoring, flood forecasting programs and planning requests are ongoing. We will continue to communicate flood information to municipal representatives and post updates on our website and social media.

Access to trails in our conservation areas remains open for the public to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being out in nature. We remind visitors that dogs are to be leashed at all times and owners are to pick up after their dogs. We caution Hersey Lake Conservation Area users that the park outhouses/washrooms are not regularly disinfected throughout the winter months. They are not closed, but should be used with caution.

While possible, we will continue to groom the Hersey Lake and Gillies Lake trails for walking.

If changes to our offered services are required at any time, we will notify the public via our website and social media channels.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17 Update

Watershed Update-March 17, 2020

Below, you will find the latest Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal, except for the Shillington and Gogama snowcourse stations, which are normal and slightly below, respectively. Water content variances, for the other stations are 110.6% to 143.9% above normal through the rest of the Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts show scattered flurries over the coming week with daytime temperatures ranging from -6°C to +5°C with no major systems expected.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda is complete. Mattagami Lake and Peter Long are still in drawdown. The dams are currently set up to continue drawdown until refilling begins in April. Relatively normal inflows have persisted throughout the winter. Wawaitin elevation is normal for this time of year and the lake will be drawn over the coming weeks in preparation for spring melt.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
  • The Authority’s new Flood Contingency Plan was updated and distributed to municipal, provincial and agency partners.
  • As a precaution to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority has cancelled all face-to-face meetings. As a result, the Timmins Flood Advisory Committee (TFAC) meeting has been postponed until further notice, but the MRCA will remain in contact with the TFAC members should the need arise to communicate.
  • The next update will be issued on or about April 1, 2020.
  • If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 360-2660.

See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics Report page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2020.

The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms. Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared.