Otonabee Conservation Continues to Recommend Residents to Reduce Water Usage

Since Thursday, Otonabee Conservation recommends a 20 per cent voluntary reduction in water consumption to help ease pressure on local water supplies.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Otonobee Conservation declared a Level 2 Low Water Condition on Thursday and remains in effect for the region. 

During these dry conditions, residents and visitors are reminded that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, splashpads, wading pools and beaches (except in designated smoking areas).

These restrictions help reduce the risk of fire and support public health. It is enforced under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw.

Due to arid conditions, a barbecue ban is in effect at Riverview Park and Zoo. Barbecues are not permitted anywhere on the grounds, including picnic shelters. 

Open-air burning is not permitted in the City of Peterborough. This includes any outdoor fires such as bonfires, campfires and the burning of yard waste. According to the City, these activities pose a risk to public safety and can have serious consequences, especially in densely populated areas. 

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved fire bowls, fire-pit tables, and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of approved appliances that may be used. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires. 

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Total Burn Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township; No Brush Burning Still in Effect

The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban that was implemented on Aug. 11 due to high fire risk conditions, announced on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

The Selwyn Fire Department determined that recent improvements in weather and fire risk levels allow for the safe resumption of some burning activities; however, restrictions remain in place.

Permitted:

• Campfires, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas

Prohibited:

• Yard waste and brush burning

• Agricultural burns

Use of personal fireworks remains strongly discouraged by the Fire Department; however, licensed and insured commercial fireworks displays with appropriate mitigation measures in place are permitted.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Chief. “Your efforts helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. Please continue to follow the restrictions and practice safe burning habits.”

Burning conditions can change at any time.

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Equipment Upgrades Lead to Expected Temporary Increase in Water Levels Along the Otonabee and Trent Rivers

Otonabee Conservation says there will be temporary increases in water levels and flow may occur along the Otonabee and Trent Rivers after equipment upgrades from Sept. 2 to 22.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Ontario Power Generation is conducting the equipment upgrades at the Auburn Generating Station.

Otonabee Conservation urges residents and river users to exercise caution, as elevated water conditions may result in strong undercurrents and rapidly changing conditions. Ensure that all boats, floating docks and related equipment are properly secured.

Water levels and flow are expected to return to normal following the completion of the upgrades.

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Wedgewood Park Getting Urban Forest Upgrades WIth Tree Planting and Ash Tree Removal

The City of Peterborough is enhancing Wedgewood Park’s urban forest and planting 515 new native tree species as part of the Trees 4 Peterborough initiative.  

Google Maps Screenshot.

This is due to significant damage from the Emerald Ash Borer. About 250 dead or dying ash trees will be removed this summer. 

Residents are encouraged to attend a community tree planting event on Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help reforest the park. Volunteers can sign up for the event at peterborough.ca/trees. 

As part of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, the City will begin removing approximately 250 dead or dying Ash trees from Wedgewood Park, which have succumbed to Emerald Ash Borer, beginning Monday. Removal work is expected to take five to six days.  

Work will also include clearing dense understory vegetation dominated by invasive Buckthorn.  

Wedgewood Park will remain open while removal work is underway. Residents are asked to keep a safe distance from working crews.

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Total Burn Ban In Effect For Selwyn Township

The Selwyn Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban, effective immediately and until further notice, due to increased fire risk in the region.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

The ban also voids all burn permits.

This ban applies to all open-air burning, including:

• Yard waste and brush burning

• Campfires and bonfires

• Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas

• Agricultural burns

• Fireworks

The Township will closely monitor weather and fire risk conditions and lift the ban once it is safe to do so.

The decision follows a period of dry weather and elevated temperatures, which have created hazardous fire conditions according to Selwyn Township. Violations of the ban may result in fines or other enforcement measures. Residents are asked to report any violations by calling 9-1-1.

Fire Safety Reminders:

• Dispose of smoking materials properly

• Use extra care when operating machinery outdoors

• Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas

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Peterborough Residents Urged to Reduce Water Consumption Amid Dry Conditions

The City of Peterborough is urging residents to reduce water consumption due to low water conditions throughout the area.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This follows after Otonabee Conservation declared a Level 1 drought due to dry conditions across the region following significantly reduced rainfall and extended periods of heat through June and July.

A decline in rainfall and an increase in high-temperature days have resulted in low streamflow, putting pressure on water supplies throughout the region.

During Level 1 drought conditions, Otonabee Conservation recommends a 10 per cent voluntary reduction in water consumption to help ease pressure on local water supplies. Residents and businesses are asked to limit non-essential water use, including lawn watering, car washing, pool filling and other outdoor water activities.

During these dry conditions, residents and visitors are reminded that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, splashpads, wading pools and beaches, except in designated smoking areas.

These restrictions help reduce the risk of fire and support public health. This is enforced under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw.

Open-air burning is not permitted in the City of Peterborough. This includes any outdoor fires such as bonfires, campfires and the burning of yard waste. These activities pose a risk to public safety and can have serious consequences, especially in densely populated areas.   

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved fire bowls, fire-pit tables and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of approved appliances that may be used. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.  

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First Responders Continue to Extinguish Fires In Burnt River/Kawartha Lakes Area

First Responders continue to battle roughly 27 hectares of forest actively burning in the Burnt River area since it broke out on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Kawartha Lakers

Seven fire crews are working to contain the fire as confirmed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The City of Kawartha Lakes says an air attack was conducted Sunday and is available Monday if required.

Kawartha Lakers reports that crews are making headway; however, hot and dry conditions persist and wind potential could worsen the situation. The public is requested to please avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles and personnel to access the area.

Public Safety and Road Closures

• No evacuation is necessary at this time

• Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the Burnt River area to allow crews to continue working safely. A road closure remains in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green until further notice.

• A total fire ban is in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes

With three significant fires in the past week and extremely dry conditions straining firefighting resources, residents are reminded: 

• If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191. 

• Do not operate drones near active fire areas. This is illegal and poses serious risks to both aerial and ground crews. 

With ever-increasing weather-related emergencies, all households need to have an emergency plan and a 72-hour emergency kit available.

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Selwyn Township Issues Full Lawn Watering Ban

Effective immediately, Selywn Township has issued a full lawn watering ban until further notice.

Photo courtesy of The Township of Selwyn.

The ban comes after a water main break occurred in Lakefield, which affects the water system’s capacity.

During the ban, Selwyn asks Lakefield residents to limit all non-essential water use during this time.

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City Encourages Residents to Help Water City Trees During Heat Wave

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to help water newly planted City trees on road allowances and boulevards next to homes as the hot weather continues.

File Photo.

Young or newly planted trees are especially vulnerable to heat stress and drought.

The City installs watering bags on newly planted trees and will fill those bags as needed.

However, community support is sometimes requested during heat events to help keep new trees hydrated. Residents are encouraged to fill watering bags once or twice a week during hot, dry weather. 

This community involvement helps ensure that new and young trees establish strong roots and thrive in the long term, contributing to the City's green infrastructure and urban canopy. 

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Clean Up Peterborough Collects Over 26,000 Writing Instruments to Be Recycled

Clean Up Peterborough (CUP) has wrapped up its month-long Writing Instrument Challenge and collected 26,772 used writing instruments from June 1 to 30.

Including smaller efforts from the past year, CUP has now collected 28,805 writing instruments since joining TerraCycle’s program in October last year. Photo courtesy of Clean Up Peterborough.

This included pens, markers, highlighters and mechanical pencils through 92 collection points the City and County of Peterborough.

“Our original target was 50,000, but the true goal was always to spark a wider conversation about waste diversion and community action,” said Steve Paul, Clean Up Peterborough founder. “In just one month, we reached thousands of people, saw 92 collection points established, and inspired many partners to continue collecting year-round. That impact far exceeded our expectations.”

The final tally was 158.11 kilograms of writing instruments — the equivalent of 18 full bags and one box — to be recycled through TerraCycle’s specialized program.

The following were the top three contributors:

• Lakefield District Public School – 3,542 items

• Douro-Dummer Municipal Office – 1,314 items

• Avant Garden Shop – 1,138 items

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