MNR issues Watershed Conditions Statement: Water safety for the Severn River, Black River, Sparrow Lake, and Lake St. John

The Ministry of Natural Resources  Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect in the District until Thursday, April 2, 2026.

This message will affect residents in the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District within Simcoe County in the Townships of Severn, Ramara, Tiny, and Tay and the area of the Severn and Black Rivers as well as Sparrow Lake, and Lake St. John. Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions. 

Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions are present throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.

Water levels in most lakes and rivers remain high with the recent precipitation and snowmelt and are expected to continue to remain high as runoff continues to enter the watersheds. MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is safe ice. Ice jamming along rivers and streams is possible.

Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as runoff from rainfall and melting snow enter watercourses.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of current conditions

River flows in many areas of the district remain at elevated levels. Lake levels in most areas are stabilizing and beginning to decrease with near normal seasonal temperatures forecasted. Snow conditions across the watershed are near normal for this time of year. Water levels are expected to remain high and fast flowing over the coming week as this water works its way through the system.

Received by email on Friday, March 27, 2026, from Jeff Haelzle, Resource Management Coordinator, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Contact the MNR by email at: jeff.haelzle@ontario.ca

Sandbag stations remain available for residents

The self-serve sandbag stations set-up by the Township of Severn in mid-March in response to the potential for rising water levels remain available for residents..

The stations are located at:

• Washago Centennial Park (3376 Quetton Street)
• Intersection of Cambrian Road and Canal Road
• Lauderdale Point Crescent (Peninsula Point Road and Bennett Avenue)
• Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)

Each self-serve station is stocked with sand and burlap bags. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

Please note that these stations are self-serve only, and delivery is not available. They will remain open and monitored until water levels recede.

If an emergency delivery of sand and burlap bags is required in an area without access to a self-serve station, please contact the Public Works department at 1-833-896-9963.

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Phone: 705-325-2315
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