Maintenance work on New Hamburg dike to begin in mid-November

Maintenance work on the New Hamburg dike is set to begin in mid-November and last approximately three days, dependent on weather. Trees, shrubs and invasive plant species will be removed from the face of the dike. This area was cleared in 2017 as part of the maintenance program for the dike.

The project will be undertaken by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), which owns and maintains this section of dike along the Nith River behind Sobeys, between Burns and Mill streets.

Trees pose a threat to the integrity of the structure as the root balls of both healthy and unhealthy trees can weaken the dike. Toppled trees can also leave a hole in the dike and encourage animals to burrow, leading to further erosion. Removing the trees and shrubs will also make it easier to complete annual inspections of the dike.

The work is being undertaken by contractors and will cost approximately $10,000, funded by the GRCA and the Ontario government through its Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure program.

Most of the work will be completed in areas with limited access; however, the public is asked to obey signage and stay well back from areas where work is being completed.

The New Hamburg dikes were built in the 1970s in conjunction with channel work undertaken in the river to help reduce the impact of flooding.

The New Hamburg Flood Mitigation Study, completed in 2020, proposed vegetation management along the existing dike as one mitigation option that could help to reduce flood damages within the community by improving conveyance of floodwaters. More information on the study is available at www.grandriver.ca/NHFloodStudy.

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Media Contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Supervisor, Strategic Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca

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