The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Flood Warning for parts of Waterloo Region as rising water levels and heavy rainfall threaten low-lying areas.
The GRCA’s Flood Message #5, released on April 1, 2026, places communities including Kitchener, Drayton, Grand Valley, St. Jacobs, and West Montrose under a Flood Warning—the most severe alert level. Additional Flood Watch advisories are in effect for the rest of the Grand River watershed, which covers much of Waterloo Region. The warning comes after recent warm temperatures and heavy rainfall sent water levels climbing.
In the past 24 hours, the watershed has received up to 30 millimetres of rain, with another 40 to 50 millimetres expected over the coming days. The GRCA is actively managing its reservoirs—including Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s—to help control downstream flooding, but officials warn that residents in low-lying areas near the Grand River or its tributaries should take precautions immediately. Some areas, like St. Jacobs, are already experiencing flooding in low-lying zones, and conditions may worsen as more rain falls.
High water flows and unstable ice conditions along the riverbanks are creating dangerous safety risks. The GRCA is urging the public to stay away from waterways and follow the advice of local authorities. The warning will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Municipal flood coordinators in the affected communities, including Mapleton Township (Drayton), Woolwich Township (St. Jacobs, West Montrose), the City of Kitchener, and Grand Valley, have been alerted and are monitoring conditions closely. Residents are encouraged to check the GRCA’s flood messages for real-time updates and to prepare for possible road closures or evacuations if conditions deteriorate.
The GRCA advises anyone near waterways to avoid riverbanks, basements prone to flooding, and other hazardous areas. Those in flood-prone zones should move valuables to higher ground and stay tuned to local updates. Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region on March 31, though current alerts show no active warnings as of April 1.
