GRCA Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is concerned about the use of frozen natural water bodies for on-ice activities such as skating and ice fishing. Recent cold temperatures and early-season snowfall have resulted in the formation of thin ice on local rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes across the watershed. While ice may appear to be forming earlier than in previous years, ice conditions remain highly unstable, unpredictable, and unsafe for any type of recreation.

It is important to note that river systems, reservoirs, and water control structures experience fluctuating water levels and variable flows that prevent stable ice formation. While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions. In many areas, snow cover can also insulate the ice surface, slowing the freezing process and creating hidden weak spots.

Public safety

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways and is strongly advised to stay off all ice at this time. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children and pets away from shorelines and off frozen surfaces, as conditions can change quickly. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

Select Grand River Conservation Areas, including Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills are monitoring ice conditions and will offer ice fishing if conditions permit. For up-to-date status of winter activities in Grand River Conservation Areas, visit www.grandriver.ca/activitystatus.

Many watershed municipalities provide safe outdoor skating and recreation options. Please visit local municipal websites for more details.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

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.

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Media Contacts:

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