April��30, 2026��

For Immediate Release��

Camping opens at��UTRCA's Conservation Areas��

Camping��season��is set to begin��at��the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA)'s three Conservation Areas (CAs)!��Fanshawe��CA in London, along with Wildwood CA in St. Marys and Pittock CA in Woodstock, will officially open for the camping season at 8 a.m. on��Friday, May 1��with the season running��until��Sunday,��October��18, 2026.��

"We're��ready to launch��another busy camping season at��our CAs.��A majority of��our staff from last year have returned and have hit the ground running to prepare for our seasonal and overnight campers.��We've��added a new trail at Pittock and completed some��roadwork��and��hydro upgrades��at Fanshawe.��Road work was also completed at��Wildwood��and a safety boom��is��in the process of being��installed.��We're��looking forward to seeing campers enjoy��these features," says��Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator.��

Fanshawe CA has a large lake for boating,��fishing��and sailing, 30 kilometres of trails, recreation programs,��canoe��and kayak rentals, and more.��It also has��a��splash pad and a swimming pool��staffed with lifeguards.��

Pittock CA has��240 campsites including backcountry camping, visitors can take part in a wide range of outdoor adventures. The CA��boasts more than five kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, a popular disc golf course and a splash pad and a swimming pool staffed with lifeguards for campers. Visitors can also take part in a rental program that allows them to borrow canoes,��kayaks��and other sports equipment.��

Campers can enjoy the hiking and biking trails at Wildwood CA, ranging from 1.2 km to 25 km. Park visitors interested in water sports can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board to cruise around the picturesque Wildwood Reservoir. Boating and fishing opportunities are also available. Visitors can swim in the reservoir and campers can also access a swimming pool staffed with lifeguards.��

The��following special presentations have been booked��for campers to enjoy��at��all three��CAs:��

• Scales Nature Park: Saturday,��July��4��

• Speaking of Wildlife: Saturday,��July 11��

• Wild Ontario: Saturday, July 18��

• Canadian Raptor Conservancy: Saturday, August��1��

For more information and to book online, visit:��

• fanshaweconservationarea.ca��

• pittockconservationarea.ca��

• wildwoodconservationarea.ca��

Contact information:��

Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator��

(519) 451-2800 ext.��312��

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2026��

Students��Take Action for Lake Erie at Regional Summit��in Sarnia and Point Edward

More than 100 high school students from across the western Lake Erie basin gathered in Sarnia and Point Edward on Wednesday for the Lake Erie Student Summit, a hands-on event focused on building the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem.��

Organized by the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) in partnership with St. Clair Region, Essex Region, Lower Thames Valley, Kettle Creek, and Catfish Creek Conservation Authorities, the summit was funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.��

The day began with an Indigenous welcome led by Lynn Rosales of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, grounding the event in teachings about respect, responsibility, and connection to water. Students then stepped into the role of citizen scientists, conducting water quality testing—including pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen—with guidance from the University of Windsor’s Real-Time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON), Water Rangers, and�������’s��Talk Science.��

“Lake Erie is one of the most ecologically vital, and most threatened, of the Great Lakes, and the next generation of stewards is ready to take action,” said Karlee��Flear, Community Education Coordinator with UTRCA. “By connecting them with scientists, community partners, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our water and Great Lakes.”��

“The Lake Erie Student Summit is a great example��of how education and hands-on experience can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through the Great Lakes Program, our government is supporting opportunities that connect students to the Great Lakes and the actions needed to protect them,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.��

In the afternoon, students rotated through interactive activities along the waterfront, including a hatchery tour with Blue Water Anglers, the Monument of the Souls activity with Lynn Rosales, and sessions with community partners such as Tourism Sarnia-Lambton.��

The summit is part of the broader Western Lake Erie Student Summit and Stewardship Project, a year-long initiative that engaged more than 500 students in Great Lakes learning, stewardship, and action.��

Participating school boards included the Lambton Kent District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, and the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.��

Media Contacts��

Karlee��Flear, Coordinator, Community Education, UTRCA
fleark@thamesriver.ca
519-451-2800 ext. 254��

Amy Bumbacco, Communications and Marketing Specialist, UTRCA
bumbaccoa@thamesriver.ca
519-451-2800 ext. 331��

��

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2026��

The UTRCA Contributes 855.76 Hectares to Canada's 30×30 Project in Partnership with Ontario Nature

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA), in collaboration with Ontario Nature, is proud to announce the contribution of 855.76 hectares of natural areas and provincially significant swamp land towards Canada's target of protecting and conserving 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, known commonly as the 30×30 target.��

The partnership with Ontario Nature��facilitated��an assessment of UTRCA lands,��determining��that 16 properties will be registered under the Protected Areas designation in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. This marks a significant step towards halting and reversing biodiversity loss in the Upper Thames River watershed.��

Notable areas include Harrington Conservation Area (CA), Dorchester CA, and Embro CA. Each of these areas consist of mixed woodland and coniferous plantations��centred��around a small dam and pond. "Protecting these lands through long-term conservation measures supports habitat for species at risk, reduces the impacts of flood events, and provides recreational opportunities" said Brandon Williamson, Land Management Coordinator, UTRCA.��

The full list of properties includes: W.L Dickson Arboretum,��Beachville��Tract, Cade Tract, Dorchester CA, Dorchester Mill Pond, Downey Tract, Embro CA, Fish Creek CA, Gads Hill North and South,��Golspie��Swamp, Harrington CA, Ivey Tract, Kintore Swamp, Lowthian Flats, Shakespeare CA, and Westminster (Dingman).��

This initiative has helped us further reach our vision of partnering to protect and promote��a healthy environment��and resilient communities.��

Media Contact:��

Brandon Williamson, Land Management Coordinator, UTRCA
519-451-2800��ext��296
williamsonb@thamesriver.ca��

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2026

Thames River Clean Up Rescheduled Due to High Water Levels 

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Thames River Clean Up has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Rescheduling the event will help ensure the safety of participants and enable a more effective clean-up once water levels recede. 

The public is strongly advised to stay away from all watercourses and flooded areas. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, and remember to keep children and pets away from waterways. 

Volunteers who have registered for the clean-up are encouraged to check in with their local site coordinators regarding the new date, as some locations may opt to reschedule for a different day based on local conditions. 

The ����ֱ�� will continue to monitor conditions closely and operate flood control reservoirs, including Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas, to help reduce downstream flooding. 

For more information about the Thames River Clean Up, or to confirm local event details, please contact Todd Sleeper at td.sleeper@hotmail.com or call 519-275-1351. 

April 13, 2026

Rainy Week will keep Streams and Rivers Elevated

A moisture‑laden weather system will be over the southern part of the province for the next four days, starting today (Monday). Widespread rainfall and shower activity is expected, with daily totals ranging from 15 to 25��mm across much of the region. Isolated thunderstorms could contribute an additional 10 to 20��mm per day over the next four days. The cumulative five‑day rainfall totals could exceed 75��mm in the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) watershed.

Ground conditions are near saturated from last week’s rainfall and water levels remain slightly elevated. The UTRCA expects that much of the forecast rain will run off into local water bodies, raising water levels as the week progresses to close to, or higher than, what was experienced last week.

The UTRCA does not expect serious flooding at this time but will be watching this event closely. The UTRCA will be operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.

The public is��reminded to use��extreme��caution near��all local waterways.��Stream banks may be��slippery and unstable,��and the water is��very��cold and fast-moving.��Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways.��Caregivers��are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.��It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

April 6, 2026

Streams and Rivers still Running High

Local streams and rivers are still hazardous, and the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is reminding everyone to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of any flooded areas.

The Upper Thames River watershed received 20-50 mm of rain since last Thursday, and the runoff from that rain continues to make its way down area watercourses. Streams and rivers peaked yesterday and are now slowly receding, but the UTRCA expects water levels to stay high into this week. An additional 10-15 mm of rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, which will keep streams and rivers elevated.

The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.

The public is��reminded to use��extreme��caution near��all local waterways.��Stream banks may be slippery and unstable,��and the water is��very��cold and fast-moving. Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.��It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

For more information:

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Contact:��Eleanor Heagy, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Rainy Week Ahead, UTRCA Advises Caution near Watercourses

With rain in the forecast, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is reminding everyone to be cautious near watercourses.

A low-pressure system has entered the region and rain is forecast every day for the rest of the week. Up to 50 mm of rain is forecast by the end of Saturday.

The UTRCA does not expect serious flooding but is watching this system closely.��The Authority will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.

The public is��reminded to use��extreme��caution near��all local waterways.��Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.��Stream banks may be slippery and unstable,��and the water is��very��cold and fast-moving.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

For more information:

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Labatt Breweries of Canada and ����ֱ�� Announce Water Stewardship Partnership

London, March 24, 2026��– Labatt Breweries of Canada and the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) have announced a new partnership focused on protecting and improving local water systems through community-driven action and research.

The partnership includes a $10,000 investment from Labatt to support the development of a community science program to empower volunteers with the tools and training needed to monitor local waterways and contribute to long-term conservation efforts. The data collected will help inform future restoration projects across the region, including tree planting, invasive species management, habitat creation, and river cleanups.

The investment will also support the launch of a Labatt employee volunteering program designed to engage Labatt teams directly in environmental stewardship, including an Earth Day river cleanup in London.

“Water is an essential ingredient in brewing and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Jeff Ryan, Vice-President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Labatt Breweries of Canada. “This partnership is about taking action at the local level, supporting the communities where we live and work and ensuring the health of our waterways for generations to come.”

“This collaboration with Labatt represents a meaningful step forward in engaging our community in hands-on watershed stewardship,” said Tracy Annett, General Manager, UTRCA. “By investing in volunteer-driven water monitoring and stewardship programs, we’re building the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Upper Thames River watershed.”

Additional opportunities for community involvement and volunteer programming will be shared in the coming months.

About ����ֱ����

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The ��area of jurisdiction, the��upper watershed of the Thames River, covers 3,430 square kilometres in southwestern Ontario and is home to approximately 593,700 people.��The UTRCA’s programs and services focus on five key areas: protecting people and property and supporting safe development; delivering landowner stewardship; providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities; making science-based decisions and empowering communities and youth.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of Canada’s most established businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,500 employees; an unmatched portfolio of more than 70 quality beers including Bud Light, Busch, Corona, Michelob Ultra and Modelo Especial, ready-to-drinks including Cutwater, Mike’s Hard and NÜTRL, and non-alcoholic products including Budweiser Zero and Corona Cero; six key breweries; and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Our employees are the driving force behind our business – brewing the world’s most loved beverages, building iconic brands and creating meaningful experiences for Canadians. Through 178 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating A Future with More Cheers.

For further information please visit:

Contacts:

Labatt:

Kirsten Cooper, Senior Director of Communications, kirsten.cooper@labatt.com 416-990-0483

Rebecca Mejia, Account Director, Veritas Communications, mejia@veritasinc.com, 647-927-4877

UTRCA:

Amy Bumbacco, Communications and Marketing Specialist, bumbaccoa@thamesriver.ca, 519-451-2800 ext. 331

For��Immediate Release��

Spring Shoulder Season returns to our Conservation Areas ��

����ֱ�� (UTRCA) staff are busy preparing for the spring Shoulder Season at Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs). This adds four weeks of day-use access from��Wednesday, April 1st until��Thursday, April 30th, 2026. It is the��fourth��year offering a Shoulder Season in response to the demand from visitors to the CAs.������

"We're��looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Fanshawe and Wildwood��this spring.��Visitors are eager to celebrate the return of warmer weather and want to get outside and explore.��We've��had��guests reach out��expressing��their appreciation in having access to the CAs alongside the��additional��amenities for��an extended season," shares Damian Schofield, UTRCA Conservation Areas Coordinator.������

Amenities offered to visitors during the Shoulder Season will include:��������

• Customer service staff on-site,������

• Access to hiking and biking trails,������

• Access to Fanshawe and Wildwood reservoirs for canoeing and kayaking (pending reservoir conditions, rentals not currently available),������

• Access to day-use areas including a playground, BBQs, picnic areas, and green space,������

• Access to Fanshawe and Wildwood reservoir boat launch (pending reservoir conditions), and������

• Washroom facilities.������

A reduced vehicle day pass fee of $11��(up to four people), or a reduced pedestrian/cyclist day pass fee of $8��for those walking or biking will be charged during this extended season.��������

Wildwood day-use area

Hours of Operation will be as follows:������

• Fanshawe CA������

• • Monday to Friday: 10��am to��6��pm; dam gate will be closed at��5:30��pm.������

• • Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm; dam gate will be closed at 4��pm.������

• Wildwood CA������

• • Daily: 8:30��am to 4:30��pm������

• • Gate to day-use will be closed at 4:30��pm daily.������

Visitors can also��purchase��a 2026��Membership��which includes day-use access��12 months of the year to Fanshawe and��Wildwood��CAs. This can be��purchased��at the Conservation Area Gatehouse or����The��2026 camping season begins on May 1.����

Wildwood Reservoir

Contact:��

Emily Chandler
Communications and Marketing Specialist
����ֱ����

March 17, 2026

Stay Away from Streams and Rivers as Spring Runoff Continues

Local streams and rivers are still hazardous, and the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is reminding everyone to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of any flooded areas.

The March school break is on and it is especially important to keep children and pets away from watercourses. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable and the water is cold and fast-moving.

It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

Most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed has melted, but streams and rivers are still elevated. The UTRCA expects watercourses will stay higher than normal for the rest of the school break.

Current forecasts are for small amounts of snow and rain beginning today and continuing into the weekend. The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce any downstream flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Contact: Eleanor Heagy,��Communications and Marketing Coordinator