Retaining wall repair at Wellington Street Dam in Guelph set to begin

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be repairing the retaining wall on the south shore of the downstream side of Wellington Street Dam. The work is expected to begin during the week of July 13, 2026.

A portion of the Royal Recreation Trail, between McCrae Blvd and Edinburgh Rd, will be closed for the duration of the work, which is anticipated to be completed by September 2026, weather conditions permitting. The public is reminded to avoid the area and heed all posted safety signage and detours during the work.    

The operation of construction equipment is expected Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The GRCA anticipates normal operation of the dam gates and does not anticipate the need to artificially lower water levels upstream of the dam to complete the retaining wall construction this summer.

Following the repairs to the retaining wall, the GRCA will be restoring the natural area along the Speed River and planting at least 30 native species of trees in consultation with the City of Guelph.  

About the Wellington Street Dam

The GRCA’s Wellington Street Dam gates are typically opened in late October and left open until mid-May to provide additional water flow capacity in the Speed River, in anticipation of higher flows and possible flooding conditions. The gates are closed in the spring to create a headwater pond that serves as a community amenity / aesthetic feature during the summer months. 

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing

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

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316 | Email lstocco@grandriver.ca