Annual installation of public safety devices now underway at GRCA dams

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of water enthusiasts who enjoy activities on local reservoirs and waterways. As part of its annual procedures, the GRCA has begun the installation of public safety devices, specifically warning booms and buoys, upstream of GRCA-owned dams to alert paddlers, anglers and boaters to stay away.

The installation of these buoys and booms began on April 14, 2025, and is expected to be complete by mid-May. Timing is subject to change depending on weather conditions. In accordance with regulations set by Transport Canada, which oversees navigable waterways, the GRCA is continuing to gradually replace existing orange booms with yellow booms.

“The annual installation of these public safety devices is one of the many ways the GRCA educates the public about the dangers around dams and is one part of our robust dam safety program,” says Katelyn Lynch, Director of Water Infrastructure. “This year, the GRCA also hosted a Public Safety Around Dams Workshop, delivered by the Canadian Dam Association. Municipal staff from across the Grand River watershed, as well as staff from Transport Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources, joined GRCA staff at the workshop.”

Dams can pose serious hazards that can result in injuries or even fatalities if warning signs are ignored. Water surges through gates and valves or over the dams, creating strong undertows and currents around the structures, which can be extremely dangerous.

The GRCA owns and operates 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and takes a variety of actions and approaches to help ensure people are safe and have awareness of the dangers around water, and in particular around GRCA dams. There are more than 100 dams in the watershed that are not owned by the GRCA. These dams may not have the same safety devices in place that are encountered at GRCA-owned dams.

At GRCA dams, safety devices that are provided include a danger sign upstream of the dam and a sign that indicates there’s a portage ahead (for sites that are deemed navigable). There are also signs located at the upstream and downstream portage locations, and typically more danger signs closer to the dam. At dams with a tailwater fishery, there are also warning signs downstream of the dam warning of changing river flows. These are placed at angler access points and coordinated with groups such as Friends of the Grand River.

The Canadian Dam Association provides guidelines for best industry practices concerning public safety around dams, including recommendations for risk assessments and safety devices including signage, booms, and buoys. The GRCA has secured approvals from Transport Canada under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for all dams and their associated safety buoys and booms.

It is important to remember that while the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous. The GRCA urges all water enthusiasts to heed the warning buoys and booms, obey the signage and stay away from the dams for their own safety. These booms and buoys will be in place throughout the spring and summer months and will be removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.

More information about safety around dams is available on the GRCA website. Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet for children is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone (519) 621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca