News

The Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) is offering two scholarships in 2025 for post-secondary students enrolled in an environmental field of study, including a one-time scholarship valued at $9,500 in celebration of GRCF supporter Murray McEwen’s 95^th birthday.

The Grand River watershed experienced a mixed precipitation event from April 2 to April 3, 2025, that included significant amounts of overall precipitation. The extremely high water levels resulted in damage to the Grand River Conservation Authority’s (GRCA’s) Wellesley and Baden dams. Emergency repairs were initiated, and both sites were stabilized within hours of the dam safety incidents being identified. While initial repairs are complete, additional work will be required to address stability and public safety deficiencies with both of these structures.

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 extremely high water flows passing through the dam resulted in damage to the discharge gate operation equipment. While the repairs to the gate operation equipment are complete, additional stability and public safety deficiencies have been noted. As a result, the GRCA is in the process of completing additional assessments, which require that the pond remain drained for the time being.

Community groups and elementary schools can now apply for funding through Community Conservation Grants program offered by the Grand River Conservation Authority and Grand River Conservation Foundation.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is planning three prescribed burns for some time between mid and late April. The three burns will occur at FWR Dickson Wilderness Area, Brant Conservation Area and a property along Birkett Lane in the City of Brantford. The exact date of each burn is unknown, since the burn must take place when weather conditions allow. The goal of these prescribed burns is to promote a native grassland habitat by reducing non-native grasses and woody plants.

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 GRCA is currently working to complete emergency repairs to the dam's gate operation equipment. Until the repairs are completed the discharge gate will be left open to protect the integrity of the dam. As a result, water levels in the pond have decreased significantly resulting in a low-flow channel through the pond footprint. This channel will remain until the gate is repaired and can be closed.

Overnight on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and into Thursday, April 3, a significant amount of rainfall was received throughout the Grand River watershed including in the area near and upstream of the Township of Wellesley. This resulted in higher-than-normal inflows to Wellesley Pond. The extremely high water levels resulted in damage to the discharge gate equipment at Wellesley Dam. The GRCA is currently working to complete emergency repairs to the gate equipment, which will continue on Friday, April 4.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will invest about $40 million this year on programs that protect life and minimize property damage from flooding and erosion, improve the health of the Grand River watershed, connect people to the environment through outdoor experiences and manage its land holdings responsibly and sustainably.