The annual Thames River Clean Up has been pushed back in Stratford and across the region as high water levels and soaked riverbanks create unsafe conditions for volunteers. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority announced the new date for the event is now Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The cleanup was originally planned for mid-April, but ongoing rain has kept local streams and rivers running well above seasonal norms. Event founder Todd Sleeper noted that the decision was necessary because the ground is highly saturated and the river is overflowing its banks, making it unsafe for participants to work near the water.
In Stratford, the cleanup is now set to take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the new date. Activities are planned for several spots across the city, including the Waldie Drain, the T.J. Dolan Natural Area, the Roadhouse Drain, the Cooper Standard plants, and the Stratford Education and Recreation Centre.
The conservation authority has been issuing flood warnings throughout April, reporting that cumulative rainfall totals over a recent five-day period could exceed 75 millimetres. To help manage the excess water, the authority is currently operating flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas.
Officials warn that stream banks remain slippery and unstable, and water throughout the watershed is cold and fast-moving. The public is urged to stay away from all flooded areas and watercourses for their own safety.
Registered volunteers are encouraged to stay in touch with their local site coordinators to confirm details for their specific cleanup area, as some locations may choose to adjust their plans further based on local conditions.
