COVID-19 Updates – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

Administration Centre

The Administration Centre is closed to the public. Service continues to be available on-line and staff are available by phone or email using our Staff Directory.

Conservation Areas

Campgrounds

Dalewood and Lake Whittaker Conservation Area are open for overnight camping and day use. Walk-ins will be entertained this year. However, we expect to be fully-booked – please call ahead. Reservations are preferred.

The pools at each campground are open however, they will be unguarded and a reservation system will apply. Please refer to the Pool Booking Handout for more information.b

You can also refer to the COVID-19 Camping Information page for full details on what amenities are available.

Conservation Areas and Hiking Trails

Lake Whittaker and Dalewood Conservation Areas are open for day-use. The Dalewood Reservoir can be accessed for water activities including the publicly accessible canoe/kayak launch located just off the Dalewood Road parking lot. A second parking lot with access to the Dalewood Reservoir Trail is available north of the Dalewood Campground on Dalewood Road. Please refer to the Dalewood Reservoir Hiking Trail Map. The picnic pavilion at Dan Patterson Conservation Area is closed.

For a full list of KCCA’s hiking trails, click here.

If you visit our properties:

Exercise caution. Do not attend if conditions are wet.
Please do not block gates at property entrances.
Washroom facilities may be limited.
If there is an emergency, call 911.

All users/visitors must:

Pass the Ontario Government COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Follow all current provincial and local health unit restrictions and guidelines for gathering limits.
Follow our COVID-19 Etiquette

Kettle Creek Dog Park

The Kettle Creek Dog Park is currently open.

If you do visit the Dog Park, all visitors must:

Pass the Ontario Government COVID-19 Self-Assessment
This area contains high touch surfaces that are not cleaned or disinfected.
Bring your own doggy bags; take away your own garbage.
Face coverings are encouraged.
Stay 2 metres apart at all times.
Come back if it is busy or exceeds the current provincial gathering limits.

COVID-19 Health and Safety

KCCA has developed a comprehensive Safety Plan including Safe Operating Procedures for all of its programs and services. The goal of the plan is to optimize the health and safety of our employees and the public. The plan, including its associated policies and procedures, is updated as new information is obtained with input from KCCA staff, and relevant health units. A Summary of KCCA’s Safety Plan is available for download below. Associated appendices are available upon request.

KCCA’s COVID-19 Safety Plan

Answers to FAQ

KCCA Services

Is the administration centre open?

The Administration Centre is closed to the public. 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

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.