News

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has begun filling the reservoir at the Wellington Street Dam, located in Royal City Park in Guelph. The filling of the reservoir will be completed over the weekend, allowing for recreational use to resume.

Farmers in the Grand River watershed have access to new grant funding, available through the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff into local waterways—a crucial step in preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Funding is available for projects such as soil testing and crop nutrient planning, cover crops, erosion control structures, stream fencing, tree planting or adopting more efficient phosphorus application practices.

As part of its Centennial Project, the Rotary Club of Guelph presented its $250,000 donation to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) on June 20, 2025, in support of the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre (GLNC).

Tubing at the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)’s popular Elora Gorge Conservation Area is now open.

Tickets and parking permits must be purchased online and in advance through the online ticket system by both the general public and Grand River Conservation Area membership pass holders.

The weather system that is travelling across the Grand River watershed today is expected to continue this evening, overnight and into tomorrow. Some areas in the watershed have already experienced 30-40 mm of rain in the last 12 hours, with another 20-30 mm of rain expected. Thunderstorms may further increase the amount of rainfall in localized areas.

No significant flooding is expected with this event. However, periods of heavy rain can cause flows in rivers and streams to increase quickly and without warning. While widespread riverine flooding is not expected, there may be some flooding in low lying areas near watercourses and in urban areas, if drainage systems are overwhelmed.

Two of Canada’s largest outdoor swimming pools will open for the season on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The pools are operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and are located in the Brant Conservation Area (Brantford), and the Byng Island Conservation Area (Dunnville).

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)’s popular Elora Quarry Conservation Area will be open for day use beginning June 12, 2025.

The online ticket system is now open to both the general public and Grand River Conservation Area membership pass holders. Tickets and parking permits must be purchased online and in advance.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is holding a special, one-time, lottery for seasonal camp sites at Pinehurst lake Conservation Area, in Ayr, Ontario.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program, sites are allocated through a lottery system to ensure a fair opportunity for all camping enthusiasts. Typically, this lottery takes place in September, and sites fill quickly. However, eight seasonal camping sites have recently become available at Pinehurst Lake. This special one-time lottery will remain open from now until June 20, 2025, and anyone is welcome to apply.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will delay filling the reservoir at the Wellington Street Dam, located in Royal City Park in Guelph due to the presence of a nesting bird (or bird nest) in an area that will be flooded with water if the reservoir is filled. The bird nest is protected by the Canadian Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulation, which prohibits damage, destruction, disturbance or removal of the nest of a migratory bird that contains a live bird or viable egg.

As part of its ongoing maintenance program, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is continuing a comprehensive project to restore the concrete of the Conestogo Dam. This project is a continuation of work completed on the dam over the last several years to repair normal damage caused by regular weather and ice events. Work is scheduled to start on or around June 5, 2025, with setup of the site already underway.

The work completed in 2025 will be the same to that completed in 2024, except it will occur on the northern half of the upstream side (reservoir facing) of the dam. This method of construction requires the reservoir to be drawn down gradually to allow the contractor access to portions of the upstream face of the dam, and then time to complete repairs.