News

Water users throughout the Grand River watershed are being asked to cut their consumption by 10 per cent, due to dry conditions as a result of low precipitation and high air temperatures this summer.

Low and variable rainfall since June has contributed to reduced stream flows in several tributaries throughout the watershed, and the Grand River Conservation Authority is using its large upstream reservoirs to augment river flows to maintain low flow targets downstream.

As part of its ongoing maintenance program, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is continuing a comprehensive project to restore the concrete of the Conestogo Dam. This project is a continuation of work completed on the dam over the last several years to repair normal damage caused by regular weather and ice events. The construction requires the reservoir to be drawn down gradually to allow the contractor access to portions of the upstream face of the dam, and then time to complete repairs.

As a result, the West (shorter) boat launch at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area will be out of service for the remainder of the season beginning Saturday, August 23, 2025. This is due to lower-than-normal water levels for this time of year to facilitate the concrete repairs.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has engaged AECOM Canada ULC to complete a drone inspection and survey of the West Flood Protection Wall, located along the Grand River’s west bank in the community of Galt, in Cambridge.

The presence of a suspected small blue-green algae bloom has been observed at Conestogo Lake reservoir. The previous notice of a small blue-green algae bloom observed at Belwood Lake in late July, 2025, remains in effect.

Hot summer days are great for spending time outdoors, but also create the perfect conditions for algae to grow and bloom in large bodies of water. The presence of a suspected small blue-green algae bloom has been observed near the west side of Shand Dam at Belwood Lake reservoir.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), in partnership with Haldimand County and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), is urging the public to obey posted rules and safety signage at its Caledonia Dam, located upstream from the Caledonia Bridge.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the GRCA’s “Policies for the Administration of the Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits Regulation 41/24” related to agricultural structures in the floodplain.

The proposed changes are the result of a scoped review of policies used to make decisions on permit applications for farm buildings located in the floodplain.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) recently approved its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The Plan reflects the Authority’s priorities, values and ongoing commitment to innovation, stewardship and collaboration with watershed municipalities, First Nations, government agencies and the community. It provides the organizational framework to help address the emerging issues of the Grand River watershed over the next five years.

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.

Farmers in the Grand River watershed have access to new grant funding, available through the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff into local waterways—a crucial step in preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Funding is available for projects such as soil testing and crop nutrient planning, cover crops, erosion control structures, stream fencing, tree planting or adopting more efficient phosphorus application practices.