News
First controlled drain project in southwestern Ontario

May 27, 2014, Ontario – The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and local landowner Henk Van Den Berg to establish the first controlled drain project in southwestern Ontario.

Controlled drain structures are located at tile outlets in agricultural fields. When raised, the structures restrict drainage, storing nutrient-rich water that crops can access during the growing season. The controlled drains can be manually lowered in the spring to permit free drainage and allow for field operations.

An information session will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 1:30 p.m., for visitors to see the newly installed controlled drain structures and speak to staff from AAFC and the UTRCA about installation, ongoing monitoring, and potential for other landowners. 

The session will be held at the corner of Observatory Drive and Stonehouse Line, Lot 30, Concession 10 Biddulph (one concession north of Highway 7, and one concession east of Highway 23/Mitchell Line) at the headwaters of Medway Creek.