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. The City of Brantford is seeking feedback on the Study until August 6, 2025.    

Based on the findings of this study, changes to the extent of land regulated by the GRCA under Ontario Regulation 41/24 as per Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act are proposed.   These changes are based on the latest hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and reflect the most current understanding of flood risks in the area. Following public consultation, the updated floodplain mapping will be presented to the GRCA’s General Membership for approval and amendments to GRCA’s Regulation mapping will be made.     

How can you participate? 

Visit the City of Brantford’s website to review the final Study and proposed floodplain mapping included in Section 6.2.1 and Appendix C of the Phase 2/3 Study.  Please send any comments or questions to the contacts provided in the City’s website by August 6, 2025.    

The Figures below illustrate the extent of the existing regulated floodplain compared to the proposed regulated floodplain. Please note areas located within the tertiary study (as outlined on the figures below) and beyond the current model boundary may need to be integrated into the existing GRCA floodplain mapping, where deemed necessary or appropriate.   

Under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24, the GRCA regulates development activities in natural hazards, including the riverine flooding hazard (commonly referred to as the floodplain). Before you start work in areas regulated by the GRCA, a permit may be required. For more information on GRCA’s permitting process, please click here

Figure 1: North Brantford existing and proposed GRCA Regulated floodplain

Figure 2: Tutela Heights existing and proposed GRCA Regulated floodplain

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 is a tributary of the Eramosa River. It originates in Guelph-Eramosa Township and flows through the north-east portion of Guelph. In 2018, the City of Guelph’s Natural Heritage Action Plan identified the Clythe Creek subwatershed as the highest priority for a subwatershed study update. The study began in 2022, and monitoring programs and community outreach strategies are being developed. The GRCA is a partner on the study’s Technical Steering Committee.

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