In the Shorelines Conditions Statement issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, the local conservation authority explained that the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB), which oversees Lake Ontario outflows and predicts water levels, reported these conditions in their press release on Friday, May 1, 2026:
Persistent rain this spring has led to higher water levels across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin and flooding in many tributaries. Since March 1, water levels in Lake Ontario have gone up from 74.54 metres (244.55 feet) to 75.30 metres (247.05 feet) by April 30, an increase of 0.76 metres (2.50 feet) over two months. Strong winds combined with even slightly elevated water levels can cause localized flooding in at-risk areas along the Lake Ontario shoreline as well as downstream along the St. Lawrence River. Adjustments to Lake Ontario outflow will continue regularly according to Regulation Plan 2014, which takes both upstream and downstream conditions into account. Lake Ontario usually hits peak water levels in June after spring rains have tapered off before beginning its seasonal drop. If weather conditions are around average, Lake Ontario is expected to reach a seasonal high between 75.40 m (247.38 feet) and 75.50 m (247.70 feet) in May or June. Nevertheless, higher levels could occur if weather is wetter than usual predicting long-term water levels is challenging-similar to weather forecasts. Lake Ontario has hit or exceeded a level of 75.30 m (247.05 feet) in one-third of all years since 1960; while this level is above average, it isn’t unprecedented. Community members should keep an eye on local conditions. Emergency responses are generally coordinated through local municipalities.
“The Lake Ontario water level measured today at Kingston is currently 75.30 m IGLD85 (International Great Lakes Datum of 1985), which is 0.84 m below the 1:100-year flood elevation of 76.14 m IGLD85. The current level of the St. Lawrence River measured at Brockville is at 75.07 m. This is also below by about 0.65 m compared to its corresponding flood elevation of 75.72 m IGLD85 for that area along the river,” Cataraqui Conservation stated.
“Current ILOSLRB forecasts suggest a seasonal peak between 75.40 m and 75.50 m on Lake Ontario indicating that these projected levels will stay around approximately.3m to.5m lower than record highs from both years:2017 at approximately 75.8m and 2019 at roughly 75.9m.”
While we don’t expect waters to rise back up to those record heights from 2017 and 2019 , any level above the 75.30-metre mark raises concerns regarding moderate impacts for some properties as detailed by local conservation authorities.
The statement mentioned that past records during high-water events show moderate impacts can happen up until an elevation of 75.5m , including:
Coastal Properties: Impacts noted for shoreline docks/boathouses or access issues reported for island properties. Some shoreline homes may be prone to foundation flooding during storms. Few reports have come about septic problems. Docks made adjustments for continued use. Marinas and Yacht Clubs: Currently nearing normal operation range limits for boat ramps or fixed docks at several facilities; modifications might be needed for ongoing use but would be low cost. Municipal and Industrial Water Uses: Sewer capacity potentially reduced. Municipal Assets: Some public shoreline assets may face inundation or erosion effects (generally very localized needing some response like fencing or short-term repairs). Parks and trails flooded alongside municipal boat ramps.
“Overall significant impacts aren’t common until static water reaches beyond 75.5m ; however significant localized effects driven by wave action can start happening at lower elevations,” Cataraqui Conservation said.
The forecast shows gusty winds today (Tuesday, May 5 ,2026 ), along with predicted showers for four out of five upcoming days.
The conservation authority reassured that widespread flooding isn’t anticipated right now. It also mentioned that if property owners experience flooding or need help their first point of contact should be their local municipality.
The statement emphasized that staff will continue monitoring ILOSLRB predictions alongside Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) Provincial Statements while updating messaging from Cataraqui Conservation when necessary. The current Shoreline Conditions Statement will remain effective until Friday June12 ,2026 , at11 :59 p. m., unless updated beforehand.
In its announcement, Cantaraqui Conservation offered details regarding:
Affected residents should note information regarding sand availability across different municipalities:
Residents within Athens Township:44 Elgin Street North – please call ahead first to schedule pickup(613 -924-2044 )sand only(no bags). Residents within Augusta Township: call613 -925-4231 x201if you’ve got questions about sandbag supplies. Residents located within Brockville City should reach out directly with inquiries regarding sandbag resources. Residents within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township may contact them directly if they have questions related to sandbag supplies. Residents living within Front Of Yonge Township are encouraged similarly reaching out regarding sandbags https://mallorytown. ca/contact/. Residentsin Gananoque Town. Public Works Yard Waste Depot sits located at end James A. Brennan Road-call ahead first(613 -382-4422 ). Kingston City residents can head over Creekford Road Public Works site. Submit requests via Contact Us https://www. cityofkingston. ca/city-hall/contact-us, or call613 -546-0000to make arrangements meet someone onsite. Leeds Thousand Islands Township residents get served via two locations:
Main yard situated1233Prince Street Lansdowne North yard positioned312Lyndhurst Rd Lyndhurst
At both spots clean sand held inside yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and filling cone available publicly. For Loyalist Township residents they ought reach them directly concerning questions surrounding sandbag provisions. Greater Napanee Town dwellers should do likewise when asking about their own respective needs. Rideau Lakes township folks may pick-up municipal storage dome1410County Road8Philipsville-please call ahead(613 -349-2314 ). Lastly South Frontenac township neighbors wanting assistance find location2490Keeley Road Sydenham calling ahead again scheduling pickup(613 -376-3027 ). For updated flooding details check Cataraqui Conservation’s forecasting page at https://cataraquiconservation. ca/pages/flood.
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Residents within Athens Township:44 Elgin Street North – please call ahead first to schedule pickup(613 -924-2044 )sand only(no bags). Residents within Augusta Township: call613 -925-4231 x201if you’ve got questions about sandbag supplies. Residents located within Brockville City should reach out directly with inquiries regarding sandbag resources. Residents within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township may contact them directly if they have questions related to sandbag supplies. Residents living within Front Of Yonge Township are encouraged similarly reaching out regarding sandbags https://mallorytown. ca/contact/. Residentsin Gananoque Town. Public Works Yard Waste Depot sits located at end James A. Brennan Road-call ahead first(613 -382-4422 ). Kingston City residents can head over Creekford Road Public Works site. Submit requests via Contact Us https://www. cityofkingston. ca/city-hall/contact-us, or call613 -546-0000to make arrangements meet someone onsite. Leeds Thousand Islands Township residents get served via two locations:
Main yard situated1233Prince Street Lansdowne North yard positioned312Lyndhurst Rd Lyndhurst
At both spots clean sand held inside yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and filling cone available publicly. For Loyalist Township residents they ought reach them directly concerning questions surrounding sandbag provisions. Greater Napanee Town dwellers should do likewise when asking about their own respective needs. Rideau Lakes township folks may pick-up municipal storage dome1410County Road8Philipsville-please call ahead(613 -349-2314 ). Lastly South Frontenac township neighbors wanting assistance find location2490Keeley Road Sydenham calling ahead again scheduling pickup(613 -376-3027 ). For updated flooding details check Cataraqui Conservation’s forecasting page at https://cataraquiconservation. ca/pages/flood.
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