Parts of Cambridge and other municipalities at risk for flooding as water levels swell across southwestern Ontario: GRCA

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issued a flood watch Friday for the entire Grand River watershed.

Parts of Cambridge and other municipalities in southwestern Ontario are at risk for flooding, with warmer, wet weather causing rising water levels.

GRCA warning

On Sunday the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) updated their previous flood warning.

They stated the Grand River through Cambridge has seen increasing river flows, with a possibility for flooding on Water Street South and Hwy 24 on Sunday evening into Monday morning.

Both West Montrose, Ont. by the Grand River and Drayton, Ont. by Conestogo Lake, reached flood warning zone 2, with rising water levels potentially reaching properties on slightly higher ground.

New Hamburg and Ayr may also reach zone 2. The GRCA said municipal flood coordinators in the townships of Wilmot and North Dumfries will notify affected properties and monitor conditions.

The GRCA said previous flood warnings for Grand Valley, Waldemar, Six Nations and Brantford as well as the flood watch issued for the rest of the Grand River watershed still remain in effect.

The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s remain at normal levels for this time of year and have storage available to help reduce the impact of downstream flooding.

Grand River watershed

The Grand River has swelled across Waterloo Region, with warmer temperatures, snowmelt and rainfall contributing to rising water levels.

The Grand River by Bridgeport Bridge in Kitchener could be seen with rising water levels, with the river moving quickly.

Water could also be seen flooding over trails near the river.

One person on social media posted at 10:06 a.m. Sunday that Kiwanis Park Trail in Kitchener had become flooded.

Another user on X posted at 8:22 a.m. that the river in West Montrose was also slowly rising.

How to deal with a flood

The GRCA warned the public to stay away or be cautious around local waterways during the flood warnings. High flows and unstable ice conditions increase safety risk around rivers and streams.

“The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways,” stated the GRCA. “Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. The public is reminded to stay off ice-covered water bodies, due to unsafe conditions.”

If flooding is possible, the GRCA recommends residents in affected areas to:

• Listen to warnings and advisories on television, radio or through websites, including the GRCA’s site.
• Follow the instructions of emergency officials and municipal staff.
• Remove valuables from basements and lower levels.
• Prepare to evacuate if necessary.

“River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any additional flood messages will be issued as needed,” said the GRCA.

This flood watch will remain in effect until 12 p.m March 19.