GRCA Flood Message #1 – Combined Flood Warning and Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning message for Brantford and a Flood Watch for the Lower Grand River.  The Watershed Conditions - Water Safety message for the remainder of the Grand River watershed remains in effect.

Weather forecast

Last weekend’s warm, wet weather has led to significant runoff and increased water levels and flows in the Grand River watershed. The runoff and high-water levels have broken up ice sheets that had formed earlier this winter and have moved ice through the river systems. Ice jams are setting in place in slow-moving reaches of watercourses, including the Grand River through Brantford. While flows are receding from last week’s runoff event, ice jams can set in place leading to localized flooding. 

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing over the next few days and may lead to further ice formation.

Flood Warning (Action) Message for Brantford

Due to ice jams in the Grand River, water levels are approaching flooding thresholds for Gilkinson Street on the morning of Saturday, January 3 and trails through the Gilkison flats are flooded. Municipal flood coordinators in Brantford have been advised to notify affected properties, take necessary actions and monitor conditions.

Flood Watch Message for Cayuga, Caledonia and Dunnville

As ice moves downstream through the Lower Grand River, communities in Cayuga, Caledonia and Dunnville are at risk of potential flooding from ice jams. Municipal flood coordinators in Haldimand County have been advised to monitor conditions.

The Watershed Conditions – Water Safety message issued on January 2, 2026 remains in effect for the reminder of the Grand River Watershed.

GRCA Reservoirs

The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s were operated to reduce the impact of downstream flooding from last week’s runoff event. Flows will remain higher than normal as water is gradually released from the reservoirs.

Stay safe 

High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. The public is reminded to stay off ice-covered waterbodies, due to unsafe conditions. 

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any additional flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026. 

More information

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• Water safety information for parents and children is available on the Water Safety section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on Twitter at @grca_flood_msg.
• More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.

-30-

Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone (519) 621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca