Dry Summer Allows for Easier Deep Water Measurements

Each year, ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) staff survey local rivers and reservoirs using GPS equipment. These surveys help us understand the shape and depth of waterways, which is important for creating accurate flood models and managing water levels.Ìý

This summer’s dry weather gave our survey team a rare chance to measure areas that are usually too deep. Using a flat-bottomed boat and a long survey pole, staff measured riverbed elevations along stretches of the North Thames River in London, Mitchell Reservoir, and upstream of the St. Marys dam. This information helps us build a better understanding of the water volume contained within our rivers and reservoirs to support flood management.Ìý

Perth Children's Water Festival in St. MarysÌýÌý

The 2025 Perth Children's Water Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025 was a great success with over 800 people attending. The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) would like to thank our sponsors, community partners and volunteers who helped make it possible.Ìý

Water Festival Organizing Committee:Ìý

• Avon Maitland District School BoardÌý
• Don GibsonÌý
• Huron Perth Public HealthÌý
• Ontario Clean Water AgencyÌý
• Ontario Federation of AgricultureÌý
• Pat DonnellyÌý
• St. Marys CementÌý
• Thames River Clean UpÌý
• Town of St. MarysÌý

Sponsors:Ìý

• Stratford Perth Community FoundationÌý
• The Annie and Isabelle Chesterfield Fund and the Jim and Laurel Laughton Family Fund through the Stratford Perth Community FoundationÌý
• McLean-Taylor Construction, andÌýÌý
• St. Marys CementÌý
• Don GibsonÌý
• Hearn's Ice CreamÌý

Students from St. Marys DCVI volunteered at the activity stations. For more photos, visit our ÌýÌý