Residents in Collingwood, Ontario, are preparing for a major shift in weather as temperatures are expected to climb from freezing wind chills to double digits by the end of the week, bringing a risk of flooding to the community.
On March 2, 2026, Environment Canada issued a cold warning for the area because wind chills were expected to feel as cold as -30. The weather is forecast to warm up quickly after a low of -12 C on Monday night, reaching a high of 10 C with periods of rain by Saturday, March 7, 2026.
This rapid melt creates a risk for flooding, which happens when heavy rain falls on frozen ground that cannot soak up the water. Because the Town of Collingwood is built on a shallow floodplain, it is historically prone to these types of events when snow melts quickly.
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is currently monitoring the Pretty River Dike and Black Ash Creek to protect low-lying areas from rising water. These systems are designed to manage the flow of water through the town during the spring thaw period.
Local municipal crews are working to clear road drains to help water flow away from homes and streets. Residents are encouraged to check their own basement flood pumps and clear any debris or ice from catch basins near their properties to prevent pooling water.
