Filling reservoir at Wellington Street Dam commences

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.

Initially, the GRCA delayed filling the reservoir due to the presence of a nesting bird (or bird nest) in an area that would be flooded with water if the reservoir was filled. The 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. The birds have fledged and are no longer at risk of being flooded.

Background

In May 2025, the GRCA left the gates to the Wellington Street Dam open to accommodate a City of Guelph construction project at the confluence with the Eramosa River. The in-water portion of the construction was completed; however, the City of Guelph had been made aware of the presence of the nesting bird, and filling was delayed.

Further details on the initial delay can be found in the GRCA’s June 2, 2025 news release, and further details on the May 2025 construction project can be found in the GRCA’s May 13, 2025 news release.

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Media contacts:

Zachary Cox, Communications Officer, Strategic Communications and Community Engagement, City of Guelph

Phone 519-822-1260 x3656  |  Email zachary.cox@guelph.ca

Serena Catania, Supervisor, Communications and Marketing

Phone 519-621-2763 x2240 | Email scatania@grandriver.ca