Current studies

We are participating in several subwatershed planning projects. Some projects are managed by us while others are managed by municipalities with us providing our knowledge and expertise on environmental elements of the study. For example, we will monitor stream conditions, describe the natural features and their role in stream health and provide other information to support planning studies and management decisions.

North Brantford and Tutela Heights Subwatershed Study

The City of Brantford has completed the North Brantford and Tutela Heights Subwatershed Study.  This study provides a science-based framework to guide development while protecting water resources, natural features, and public safety. 

As a result of the study’s findings, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has updated the extent of regulated lands under Ontario Regulation 41/24, pursuant to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. These updates are informed by the latest hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and reflect the most current understanding of flood risks in the area. The revised floodplain mapping was presented to and approved by the GRCA’s General Membership. Corresponding updates to GRCA’s regulation mapping have now been implemented.

The full study is available on the City of Brantford’s website. Under Ontario Regulation 41/24, the GRCA regulates development activities within natural hazard areas, including riverine floodplains. If you are planning work within a regulated area, a permit may be required.  For more information on the GRCA’s permitting process, please click here.

Blair Creek

Blair Creek flows through southwest Kitchener, where a lot of development is taking place. A subwatershed plan was completed in 1997 and updated in 2010. The studies recommended ongoing monitoring in Blair Creek to better understand land and water conditions, and to track changes as new subdivisions are developed. We monitor water quality and temperature, stream flow, groundwater, invertebrates and fish.

Electronic copies of these studies are available on request. Please email Chris Lorenz, Subwatershed Planning Supervisor, or phone 519-621-2763 ext. 2236.

• State of the Watershed Report for Upper Blair Creek describes pre-development conditions, sets out targets and updates the monitoring plan.
• Cumulative Efffects Monitoring - Blair Creek Case Study compares monitoring data from before and during the ongoing subdivision development.

East Side Subwatersheds

The East Side area includes the land in the eastern part of Kitchener, Cambridge and Woolwich in Waterloo Region. The land is drained by Hopewell, Chilligo and Freeport creeks, as well as the Randall and Breslau drains. We carry out monitoring to provide information for subwatershed studies.

Electronic copies of these studies are available on request. Please email Chris Lorenz, Subwatershed Planning Supervisor, or phone 519-621-2763 ext. 2236.

• The Freeport Creek Subwatershed Study was completed as part of the East Side Lands (Stage 1) Master Environmental Servicing Plan.
• Work is underway on a Subwatershed Study for Randall and Breslau Drains as part of the East Side Lands (Stage 2) Master Environmental Servicing Plan.

Clythe Creek Subwatershed Study Update

Clythe Creek, a tributary of the Eramosa River, originates in Guelph-Eramosa Township and flows through the northeastern part of the City of Guelph. The City of Guelph’s 2018 Natural Heritage Action Plan identified the Clythe Creek subwatershed as the highest priority for a subwatershed study update. This multi-phase study was launched in 2022, with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) serving as a key technical partner and active member of the project’s Technical Steering Committee.

The Phase 1 Characterization Report is available on the City of Guelph's website. This report provides a comprehensive overview of current conditions across groundwater, surface water, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and fluvial geomorphology. Public engagement for the Phase 1 Study is complete.  The engagement summary from Phase 1 is available on the City’s “Have your Say” webpage. 

Phases 2 and 3 of the study — which focus on impact assessment and the development of management strategies — are currently in progress and anticipated to be completed in the coming months.
These phases are expected to inform proposed updates to the extent of land regulated by the GRCA under Ontario Regulation 41/24, pursuant to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act.

Characterization Studies

The Grand River Water Management Plan lists areas where subwatershed planning should take place to address water quality and quantity issues. We have completed characterization studies for Fairchild and McKenzie creeks in the southern Grand River.

Another study is looking at the urban, non-point sources of pollution in the central portion of the Grand River. These studies will describe current conditions and identify factors affecting subwatershed health.

Electronic copies of these studies are available on request. Please email Chris Lorenz, Subwatershed Planning Supervisor, or phone 519-621-2763 ext. 2236.

• Fairchild Creek Characterization Report - Executive Summary 
• McKenzie Creek Characterization Report - Executive Summary 
• Assessment of Urban Non-Point Sources in the Middle Grand River - Executive Summary