City of Brantford is advising residents of an elevated risk of flooding in the coming weeks due to above-average snowpack and potential ice jam formation in the Grand River watershed.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issued a Flood Outlook Statement, indicating that rapid snowmelt combined with rainfall could lead to significant runoff and flooding.
The City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) has met and is actively monitoring conditions in close coordination with GRCA. While the current ice conditions this year are less significant than they were in 2018 and 2019, there is a moderate risk of ice jams in the Brantford area, which could increase local flooding risks.
What residents need to know:
- Residents in flood-prone areas should review their emergency plan and ensure they have access to an emergency kit.
- Updates will be provided through official City of Brantford and GRCA communication channels. Residents are encouraged to sign up for GRCA flood notifications.
- Banks of the Grand River and local creeks are slippery, and fast-moving, cold water poses a serious hazard. Parents are urged to keep children and pets away from the riverbanks.
- Should flooding occur, certain roads, trails, and pathways may be closed. Residents are advised to follow all posted signs and avoid water-covered areas.
The City is fully prepared to respond if an emergency arises and will continue working with partners to assess conditions. For more information on flood preparedness, visit brantford.ca/EmergencyPrepardness and the GRCA website at grandriver.ca.
