COVID-19 Updates – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

COVID19 September 2020 Update

Administration Centre 
The Administration Centre is now open to the public by appointment only. Service continues to be available on-line and staff are available by phone or email using our Staff Directory. For an appointment please call the relevant staff person or the office directly at 519-631-1270.

Camping and Day Use Update
In order to maximize the public’s access to nature during the Pandemic the operating season of Lake Whittaker and Dalewood Conservation Area is being extended from September 30 to October 18, 2020 with some restrictions.

Up to September 30

Transient camping available for tenting and trailers; group camping is not available
Site availability will be limited to ensure that water taps are not shared and physical distancing can be respected.
Campers are encouraged to use facilities within their trailers as washrooms will be limited and only open during certain hours to facilitate social distancing and cleaning procedures
Playgrounds and beaches are open but pools and pavilions remain closed
Please book on-line or by calling your preferred campground (Lake Whittaker 519-269-3592 and Dalewood 519-631-1009); reservations only – no walk-ins
Day-use; daily and seasonal passes available for purchase at the gatehouse. Capacity and amenities may be limited. Please call ahead.

From September 30 – October 18

Transient camping available for trailers with contained units only due to limited staffing and washroom availability; group camping is not available
Please book on-line or by calling your preferred campground (Lake Whittaker 519-269-3592 and Dalewood 519-631-1009); reservations only – no walk-ins
Day-use washrooms will be closed. However users can still access hiking trails, and Lake Whittaker for fishing, and launching of personal canoe/kayak/boats.
Gatehouse hours will be limited. Please call 519-631-1270 Monday – Friday (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) for up to date information on amenities or your preferred campground on Saturday and Sunday.

What amenities are available?

Basketball courts, beaches volleyball courts, tetherball and horse shoe pits are available as long as users practice physical distancing.
Hiking trails are open. Please follow our responsible recreation guidelines.
Fishing from shore is encouraged. However, fishing platforms will not be installed this season.
Gatehouses will not be open to the public. Walk-up and drive-up service only at this time. Firewood and ice are available for curbside pick-up. There will be no grocery or convenience items available. Gate house hours may be limited due to staff availability.

What remains closed?

Pools and pavilions are closed
Group camping will not be entertained this season
Gatehouses will not be open to the public. Walk-up and drive-up service only at this time. Firewood and ice are available for curbside pick-up. There will be no grocery or convenience items available. Gate house hours may be limited due to staff availability.
No rentals of canoes or kayaks or fishing equipment

KCCA Trails are Open

Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with KCCA’s updated COVID 19 Trail Etiquette available on its web site before visiting any of its trails. KCCA is operating with limited staff and are asking for the public’s help to respect the rules and keep the areas open for everyone to enjoy.

Before heading out, KCCA is asking users to review updated trail maps available on its website as some sections of trails remain closed to encourage physical distancing. All areas have updated signage to encourage physical distancing and one-way travel around loop trails. While viewing platforms, bridges and boardwalks will remain accessible, the public is reminded that these surfaces will not be cleaned. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Due to limited staffing regular maintenance is not being conducted. Use is at your own risk.

Plan ahead and bring all supplies you might need for your hike. Parking lots will be open but other amenities including pavilions and washrooms will be closed. If parking lots are full you may need to come back at another time. If you encounter another hiker, step aside to allow each other to pass with physical distance.

Please refer to our trail etiquette and description of what is opened and closed at each one of our conservation areas.

Answers to FAQ

KCCA Services

Is the administration centre open?

The Administration Centre is now open to the public by appointment only. Service continues to be available on-line and staff are available by phone or email using our Staff Directory. For an appointment please call the relevant staff person or the office directly at 519-631-1270.

A number of KCCA’s services can be accessed on-line:
• To make a payment call 519-631-1270 and ask to speak with Jessica
• If you are planning to build and need information about required permits click here
• Flood Forecasting and Warning messages will continue to be posted here
• For a current staff directory click here

Campgrounds and Conservation Areas

Why won’t shower or laundry facilities be open this season?

The health and well-being of visitors and staff will always be our number one priority as we decide how and when to open parks, facilities and services. At this time, KCCA is unable to guarantee the required level of cleanliness and disinfection of showers or laundry facilities. Our efforts will be focused on ensuring washrooms and high traffic public areas are cleaned and maintained

How is KCCA ensuring visitor safety?

KCCA is implementing measures to address overcrowding, and promote physical distancing in our campgrounds. To ensure the safety of our visitors, we have opened up a select number of campsites and are reducing the number of available campsites for booking.

Day passes may also be limited to maintain physical distancing and capacity in the campground. Please call ahead to check for availability and what amenities are currently available.

Administration Centre: 519-631-1270
Lake Whittaker: 519-269-3592
Dalewood: 519-631-1009

Do I need a reservation to go camping at Dalewood or Lake Whittaker Conservation Areas?

The campgrounds will operate at reduced capacity. Group camping and walk-in registrations will not be entertained this year. Reservations must be made on-line or by calling your preferred campground. (Lake Whittaker 519-269-3596 and Dalewood 519-631-1009)

Can I rent fishing gear, a canoe or kayak?

Rental of equipment including fishing gear, canoes and kayaks will not be permitted in 2020.

Can I fish, canoe, or kayak at Dalewood or Lake Whittaker Conservation Areas?

Provided that you have your own equipment, you can fish, canoe and kayak the Dalewood Reservoir and Lake Whittaker. Please be aware, KCCA will not be installing any fishing platforms or docks this season.

Are your pools open?

The pool will remain closed for the season.

Regulation & Planning FAQ

Can I still apply for a Permit?

Yes. At this time KCCA regulation staff are working remotely to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. KCCA continues to accept and process permit applications.

Anyone who would like to discuss a potential development proposal or preparing an application submission is encouraged to contact the following staff person during regular business hours (Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:30pm):

Joe Gordon
Assistant Manager, Supervisor of Planning and Conservation Areas
Email: joe@kettlecreekconsrvation.on.ca
Tel: (519)631-1270 ext. 226

Permits will be issued by email

How can I submit an application?

KCCA’s Permit Application Package is available online here. Electronic application submissions by email are preferred. Email application submissions can be sent to joe@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca

Paper submissions can be mailed or couriered to the KCCA Administration Centre (44015 Ferguson Line, St.Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T3). However, there may be some delays with a paper application submission as staff currently have limited access to the office.

How can I pay the permit application fee?

The KCCA Administration Office is currently closed to the public. The preferred method of payment for application fees would be by credit card over the telephone. There will be limited days and hours when telephone payments can be made. Please contact joe@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca for available times for telephone payments.

Cheque’s or money order will also be accepted by mail or courier.

Is KCCA continuing to review submissions for Planning Act applications for their municipal partners?

Yes. KCCA continues to accept circulations and submissions for Planning Act applications, and will be working closely with its member municipalities in consideration of their amended processes and policies to ensure timely responses.

Is KCCA responding to requests for Property Clearances and other inquiries?

Yes. Please submit any additional inquiries of Property Clearances via email to joe@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca.

Elgin County Woodland Conservation By-Law FAQ

Are you still accepting Harvest Applications (Notice of Intents)?

Staff are working remotely and will continue to accept Harvest Applications (Notice of Intents) during this time. Harvest Applications can be submitted by Fax: (519) 631-5026, e-mail: jeff@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or by mail: Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, 44015 Ferguson Line, St. Thomas, N5P 3T3. For assistance please contact Jeff by e-mail or 519-631-1270 ext. 231.