Low water levels not putting Rideau Canal at risk, but southern parts shallower

The Rideau Canal is pictured on a sunny day in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

Parks Canada says the lack of rain this summer and the lower water levels along the Rideau River watershed are not putting the Rideau Canal’s navigation season at risk, but there are some shallower spots in the southern section of the system.

On Tuesday, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued a “Level 3 – Severe” low water advisory for the Rideau River.

“A Level 3 low water advisory is not a declaration of an emergency, but an indicator of significant dry conditions and impacts observed across the Rideau Valley watershed,” the conservation authority said in a news release Tuesday.

The RVCA said Parks Canada is actively monitoring water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system to ensure the canal remains navigable.

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Parks Canada said water in the canal system has been receding faster than normal, but efforts are in place to ensure boating can continue.

“Due to significantly low amounts of rain in June, July, and August, and sustained heat, the levels have been receding faster than normal, especially in the lakes with a broad surface and shallow depth, subject to higher evaporative losses,” a statement said.

“Parks Canada has implemented management measures to conserve water to support navigation while balancing the needs of shoreline residents, municipalities, and ecosystems across the watershed.”

The northern part of the Rideau Canal system, from Ottawa to Smiths Falls, remains within normal navigation range, Parks Canada said, but the southern sector from the Newboro Lockstation to Kingston Mills is shallower than usual.

“The available draft from Newboro Lockstation to Kingston Mills Lockstation has been reduced from the standard 5 feet to 4 feet 7 inches. Based on current weather forecasts, it is anticipated that the draft will decrease further to 4 feet 5 inches by Aug. 25, 2025,” Parks Canada said.

This means that deeper or heavier boats might not have the same amount of water available between their hulls and the bottom of the canal in those areas. Boaters with such vessels are asked to contact Parks Canada for information.

“Boaters travelling within this section of the Rideau Canal with vessels drawing more than 4 feet are asked to contact the Rideau Canal to verify current water levels prior to travel: 613‑283‑5170,” Parks Canada said.

Ottawa has seen 13. 3 millimetres of rain so far in August and Kingston has received 31 mm. The monthly normal for both areas is 79 mm, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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