The City of Brantford, Ontario, closed the Ballantyne Boat Launch on March 11, 2026, due to rising water levels on the Grand River. Officials also closed several nearby walking paths, including the Gilkison Flats, D’Aubigny, and Waterworks Riverside trails, to keep residents safe from the flooding risk.
A flood warning remains in effect for the community as of March 12, 2026, as water levels are being closely watched. The Grand River Conservation Authority issued the warning after unseasonably warm temperatures and recent rainfall caused an above-average snowpack to melt quickly earlier in the week.
This rapid melting has created ice jams along the river watershed, which can cause water to overflow suddenly into low-lying areas. Local authorities are urging everyone to stay away from the riverbanks and all waterways until the water recedes and the areas are safe to use again.
The city and the conservation authority are monitoring the situation to see when the flood threat will pass. People who were planning to go fishing or boating will need to find other spots for their activities until further notice.
Brantford has a long history of flood risks related to the Grand River, especially when spring snowmelt combines with ice jams. The city routinely closes these low-lying parks and trails to ensure public safety and prevent accidents near the fast-moving water.
