The Grand River Conservation Authority has lifted its flood warning for the Grand River watershed in Brantford, after river levels returned to safer conditions following nearly two weeks of elevated flows.
The GRCA terminated its Flood Warning and Flood Watch messages on Monday, March 16, 2026, after warm temperatures and rainfall since March 7 melted the snowpack and caused ice jams and flooding in some communities. Water levels in Brantford approached flooding thresholds near Gilkinson Street, and trails through Gilkison Flats were flooded during the event.
“High flows observed throughout the watershed because of warmer temperatures and rain since Saturday, March 7, have receded,” the GRCA stated in its termination message.
Despite the lifting of the flood warning, the GRCA has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire Grand River watershed. This means river levels remain higher than normal and residents should still exercise caution near local waterways.
The warning comes as no surprise to Brantford residents familiar with the Grand River’s history. The Gilkison Flats reach of the river has a documented pattern of ice jam occurrences. In February 2018, a major ice jam overtopped and circumvented flood protection along portions of the dike system, causing extensive damages and forcing evacuations.
The City of Brantford is working to prevent future flooding events. The city, in partnership with the GRCA, is currently undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment for the Brantford Ice Jam Mitigation Study. The study aims to evaluate options to reduce the impact of ice jam-related flooding on the community.
The GRCA initially issued a Flood Watch on March 5, 2026, after forecasting that warm temperatures could melt a snowpack containing significant water content. A Flood Warning followed on March 9 as conditions deteriorated.
Residents are reminded that while the immediate flood risk has passed, higher-than-normal river levels persist. The GRCA continues to urge people to stay away from riverbanks and waterways until conditions fully normalize.
