Dangers remain for Grand River users

People are urged to continue using extreme caution around local waterways, which have lots of debris in rivers and missing warning buoys, after last week’s storm.

Tubing is also suspended indefinitely at Elora Gorge Park due to high flows.

The Grand River Conservation Authority is also warning that a number of trails in the watershed were damaged by the heavy rainfall and high water flows. Conservation authority and municipal staff will assess damages in the coming weeks.

River flows continue to recede throughout the Grand River watershed, following more than 100 millimetres of rain that fell on the area on June 23.

Many warning buoys and booms that would normally be located in the river upstream of hazards, such as dams and obstructions were displaced. Inexperienced river users should avoid using the waterway until all safety warning devices are replaced.

Debris poses a risk to all recreational river users because it can be hidden below the surface.

At Elora Gorge Park, high flows through the gorge will persist through the weekend. Tubing infrastructure was also damaged and needs to be repaired before activities can resume.

Anyone who finds warning buoys or booms on their property or spots one out of place on the river, is asked to contact the conservation authority at 519-621-2761 or grca@grandriver.ca to report the location.