Filling reservoir at Wellington Street Dam delayed

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.

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 has been completed; however, the City of Guelph has been made aware of the presence of a nesting bird. As a result, the dam gates will remain open and the filling of the reservoir will be delayed.

The City of Guelph is in communication with Canadian Wildlife Services to obtain a permit to have the nest relocated and allow for the reservoir to be filled. This process may take up to 30 days.

Background

Further details on the 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, GRCA

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