GRCA initiating Brantford Ice Jam Class Environmental Assessment

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), with the help of a consultant and in collaboration with the City of Brantford, is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Brantford Ice Jam Mitigation Study. The study area is located along the reach of the Grand River through the City of Brantford, with the primary study area centred on the Gilkison Flats reach, around Two Fish Island, and around the bend at Tutela Heights. The project will be carried out under the Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects document (Conservation Ontario, amended February 2024).

“This work is being undertaken following the Ice Jam Mitigation Feasibility Study, which identified potential mitigation measures to reduce ice jam related flooding in the City of Brantford,” explains Katelyn Lynch, GRCA Director of Water Infrastructure. “This Environmental Assessment is the next step in identifying a preferred management strategy to mitigate the impacts of ice jams in the City.”

A significant ice jam event occurred in 2018 that resulted in extensive damages to public and private infrastructure and evacuations of thousands of Brantford residents. In 2019, KGS completed a study that included a history of ice jams in Brantford, meteorological conditions contributing to the 2018 ice jam, a description of the 2017-2018 winter ice jam, river ice analysis, and potential ice jam mitigation options.

In 2021, ERI (now Montrose Environmental) completed an Ice Jam Mitigation Feasibility study to develop a list of alternative mitigation measures to reduce ice jam potential in Brantford. Ten alternatives were carried forward for evaluation as part of the feasibility study. The ERI feasibility study laid the groundwork for a future Class EA study to further evaluate the carried forward alternatives and select a preferred management strategy.

“The GRCA is pleased to be moving forward with this next phase of work in partnership with the City of Brantford,” says GRCA Chair John Challinor II. “This Class EA will further refine the potential options that will help reduce the impact of ice jam related flooding in this part of the watershed.”

“Protecting our riverfront neighbourhoods and strengthening Brantford’s climate resiliency are key priorities for the City,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “We’re committed to collaborating with the GRCA on this important next step to better understand and manage the risks posed by ice jams. This assessment will build on previous studies and ensure we move forward with well-informed, practical solutions to enhance public safety and climate resiliency in our city.”

The purpose of this Class EA will be to further advance the preferred management strategy to detailed design and construction, which would be completed in subsequent phases. Public and First Nations engagement will be a part of the Class EA project, as well as any subsequent projects. The public will be notified in advance of Public Information Centres that will be held to present information on the project and to receive public feedback.

More information about the project is available on the GRCA’s website.

Media Contacts:

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