Welcome to NBMCA.ca

 

NBMCA’s role in the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program (FFW) is to monitor watershed conditions and communicate flood risk. We do not respond to active flooding, control water levels, or operate dams. Learn more.

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority

NBMCA was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario.
As a community-based, non-profit environmental organization, NBMCA is dedicated to
conserving, restoring, developing and managing renewable natural resources on a watershed basis.
NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.
NBMCA acknowledges that we are in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, the Traditional Territory and Treaty Lands
of the Nbisiing Anishinaabeg, as well as the unceded and ancestral Traditional Territory
of the Algonquin People and the Metis Nation.

Want to honor a Watershed Champion?

Boardwalk of Champions

Our watershed overflows with champions, people whose actions - big and small - have contributed to the health and well-being of our families, our neighbourhoods, our communities, our environment and our watershed.

Permits

Development and On-site Sewage

Permits are one tool for balancing human needs with the needs
of the natural environment, protecting people and property
from natural hazards.

Science

Integrated Watershed Management

From water quality monitoring and flood forecasting to drinking water source protection, NBMCA uses science to make watershed management decisions. 

Get Outside!

Conservation Areas

Looking to hike, bike, or ski?
Paddle a historic canoe route?
Explore our natural heritage?
  

News

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November 28, 2023

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High Winds No Match for Determined Paddlers during the Mattawa River Canoe Race

June 15, 2026

Despite challenging high winds on the water, the 48th Mattawa River Canoe Race delivered another exceptional day of paddling, camaraderie, and record-breaking performance. A total of 59 boats officially started the 64 km race while 5 competitors took on the shorter 13 km course.

Overall Winners (64 km): David & Keir Johnston of Sarnia and Strathroy claimed first place in the Pro C2 Men's category with a winning time of 6:13:45.


NEW COURSE RECORDS

Open SUP:
Tim Oliver of Clarksburg broke the previous Stand-Up Paddleboard record by approximately 8 minutes, finishing in 6:47:15 (previous record: 6:55:42).

C1 Stock Open: Terry Link from Kirkland Lake broke the previous record by approximately 15 minutes, finishing in 7:49:45 (previous record 8:06:24).

C2 Stock Women’s: Ceilidh & Morgan Boyd from broke the previous record by approximately 32 minutes, finishing in 7:14:33 (previous record 7:47:37).

C2 Stock Mixed: Stephen Wasteneys & Leila Myers from Ottawa and Chelsea, Qc broke the previous record by about 15 minutes, finishing in 6:35:25 (previous record 6:50:44)

 

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End of Flood Warning – Lake Nipissing Shoreline, La Vase River Downstream of Lakeshore Dr. and Parks Creek

June 02, 2026

The FLOOD WARNING for the Lake Nipissing shoreline, La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr., and Parks Creek has ended.

"Conditions across the watershed continue to improve following the spring freshet, with water levels and streamflows continuing to recede," said Githan Kattera, NBMCA Duty Officer. "Lake Nipissing is below the non-damage level and is continuing its seasonal decline. Tributaries including the La Vase River and Parks Creek have returned to typical seasonal conditions, and no flood concerns are present across the watershed at this time."

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FLOOD WARNING continues for Lake Nipissing Shoreline (Callander and North Bay), La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr and Parks Creek (update)

May 26, 2026

A FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline, La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr, and Parks Creek. The previously issued Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook has ended.

"The water level of Lake Nipissing is declining but still remains high and shoreline areas are vulnerable to winds and wave action. Water levels may fluctuate in response to southwest and west winds, which can temporarily enhance local water level by 10-15 cm," said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. "The water level of the Ottawa River at Mattawa has returned to seasonally normal conditions and are forecast to decline gradually.”

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NBMCA will resume operations at Parks Creek effective May 23.

May 22, 2026

In anticipation of forecasted rainfall over the Victoria Day long weekend, NBMCA proactively drew down water levels in Parks Creek and on May 19 temporarily suspended operations. On Tuesday, May 19, NBMCA issued an updated Flood Warning for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline, the La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Avenue, and Parks Creek. That warning remains in effect until Tuesday, May 26. https://nbmca.ca/watershed-management/flood-forecasting/current-flood-bulletin/

With water levels in Parks Creek continuing to rise and additional rainfall forecasted for the weekend, NBMCA will reinstall stop logs and resume drawdown operations to manage water levels and reduce flood risk to the surrounding area.

The NBMCA continues to monitor conditions closely and will provide updates as the situation changes. Eva Wardlaw is closed to the public as operations resume.

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