Area Rules and Regulations

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Conservation Area Rules and Regulations

Stay on marked trails at all times. Do not climb or otherwise bypass fencing.
Do not deface, remove or damage any property, plants or animals in our conservation areas.
Place your garbage in containers provided. Recyclable materials should be placed in recycling containers.
Adults are responsible for watching their children. Abide by beach regulations. No lifeguards on duty.
Alcohol is prohibited in all conservation areas unless permission and a special occasion permit has been acquired.
Electric motor and non-power boating is allowed on our reservoirs. Rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rental Christie Lake and Valens Lake.
Pets must be on leash at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets. Pets are not allowed on the beaches unless designated as pet beach areas.
Motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, are NOT permitted in conservation areas or on trails.
Vending, soliciting and advertising are not allowed, except by written permission of the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Fishing is allowed as prescribed seasons dictate. Learn more about Provincial fishing rules and regulations.
Camping rules and regulations can be found here.
Drone usage in conservation areas – Personal or recreational use is not permitted.

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.