Lake Talon Conservation Association - LTCA

06/12/2026

The North Bay - Mattawa Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard Race is on tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, 2026.

Please give the participants lots of space and limit your wake if you are boating in the vicinity.

The LTCA is a proud Sponsor.

Paddles Up! The 48th Mattawa River Canoe Race Returns June 13
66 boats. One historical river. A celebration 48 years in the making.

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) is thrilled to welcome paddlers and spectators to the 48th Mattawa River Canoe Race presented by Susan Weiskopf - IG Wealth Management, on Saturday, June 13. This event brings competitors from across the province and beyond to test their skill and endurance on a historic waterway.

The first fleet of 64 km competitors sets off from Olmsted Beach at 7:30 am, with each subsequent fleet launching 15 minutes apart. The 13 km racers will join the action at noon at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. All boats finish at Mattawa Island Conservation Area in the heart of Mattawa, a perfect spot for spectators to cheer racers across the line.

“We are incredibly excited to host the 48th edition of this iconic race. The Mattawa River is a beautiful paddling destination, and this event showcases everything that makes our region special. We are also so happy to welcome people into our watershed, and this is a beautiful part of Ontario and events like this give everyone a chance to experience it firsthand. We can't wait to see everyone on the water and in Mattawa for the celebrations," said Paula Loranger, Communications & Outreach Program Specialist.

Water levels are sitting at average this year, and paddlers should be prepared for challenging portages, which is all part of the adventure that makes this race a true test of endurance and teamwork.

Whether you’re a paddler, a proud family member, or simply a fan of great competition there’s a place for you at this event. Spectators are welcome at the start line at Olmsted Beach or at the finish line at Mattawa Island Conservation Area to cheer on the competitors.

Great big shoutout to our sponsors: Susan Weiskopf representing IG Wealth Management, Degagne PRO Group, North Bay, The City of North Bay, North Bay, Northland, , Lake Talon Conservation Association - LTCA , College and .

06/11/2026

Ministry Response of June 11, 2026 to LTCA President’s inquiry regarding water level management.

“Hi Brian,

We will assess water levels tomorrow and attempt to raise if levels are not within 5cm of 10.00 them using a staff gauge (non-electronic) as a reference for current water level conditions. We are also hopeful that recent rainfall has contributed to improved levels. Planned operations tomorrow include increasing flow at turtle dam to Talon Lake as well.
At present, 33 out of 36 logs are installed in the dam, leaving three logs out. This configuration is commonly used to maintain summer water levels at approximately 10.00. The dam has been jacked, and leakage has been reduced; however, due to the nature of a stop-log system, minor leakage is expected and cannot be completely eliminated.

We do not currently have an estimated timeline for restoring the electronic gauge. Following a recent repair, an additional component of the system malfunctioned. Replacement parts have been ordered, but delivery and installation timelines have not yet been confirmed.

Thank you,”

06/07/2026

The LTCA has hired 2 Environmental Summer Students, Jack Park and Kayl Melnyck, who will be starting work on or about June 29th for the months of July and August.

Canada Summer Jobs - CSJ will cover most of the costs as well as Ontario Parks.

05/26/2026

Here is a reply this afternoon regarding the management and operation of the Talon Lake Dam.

I had been asked as to whether the Ministry recently privatized the Dam operation.

I also inquired as to ongoing outage of the Blanchard’s Landing hydrograph monitoring station.

“Good afternoon, Brian.

Talon dam management and operation continues to be MNR's responsibility. As for the monitoring station, we are currently waiting for parts to make the necessary repairs.

Thank you,

Water Management Department
North Bay District | Regional Operations Division”

05/21/2026

May 21st Update - Pontoon Boat that drifted into Shield’s Bay has been retrieved successfully by the Owner with no damage reported.

05/20/2026

The high water continues to be an issue at Lake Talon and Kaibuskong Bay and is causing numerous problems.

- Some docks are underwater which is compounded by high winds.

- Some boaters are creating wakes that are damaging the shoreline and docks. This is particularly an issue in the Narrows to and from Kaibuskong Bay.

Please show some respect to these cottage neighbours and limit your boat wake when travelling close to the shorelines.

The Maximum Speed is 10 km/h within 30 metres of any shoreline in Ontario which is enforceable by the OPP.

- Multiple reports of rafts, deadheads, debris, etc. floating on the waterway.

- The Ministry’s hydrograph is again out of service for the last 5 days.

- Do Not travel by boat to the Talon Chutes Dam until water levels return to more normal levels. The strong current, whirlpools and very cold water is extremely dangerous.

05/14/2026

The Ministry’s Lake Talon Hydrograph has been repaired and the screenshot below was taken at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

As you see, the water level has been climbing for the past 7 days and is currently 6 cms above the Ministry’s “Normal High” level of 10.15 metric.

05/08/2026

The LTCA will again be hiring 2 Environmental Summer Students again for 30 hours per week during July and August.

Canada Summer Jobs will be funding both positions.

The Link to the Job Description and Application process follows:

Lake Talon Conservation Association Student Employment Opportunity Summer 2026 “Taking Care of the Lake We Love!” Job Title: Student Environmentalist (2 positions) Start date: Sunday June 28th, 2026 Finish date: Saturday September 5, 2026 inclusive Two Students reporting to Clint Wilson, ...

04/29/2026

Response from Ministry regarding Water Level Hydrograph

04/25/2026

A resident located at the mouth of Kaibuskong Bay forwarded 4 photos which show the water level on Monday (2 of) and the same 2 locations today, Saturday, April 25th.

It was noted that this location is usually the first area to open up and does not represent any other locations on the main lake.

Thank you for sharing this positive perspective.

Please be advised that no one should attempt traveling to the Talon Chutes Dam under any circumstances. There is still a very high and strong current and this can be extremely dangerous.