Flood warnings issued for Kitchener, Cambridge

Big rain, spring snow and double-digit temperatures have the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issuing flood warnings for both Kitchener and Cambridge.

The GRCA estimates around 40-80 millimetres of precipitation, including snow, freezing rain, and rain, fell throughout the watershed Wednesday.

That has prompted concerns about the water levels along the Grand River in Kitchener. A statement from the GRCA reads, “The Grand River is expected to overflow its banks midday Thursday, April 3, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.”

In Cambridge, the area of concern is around Water Street/Highway 24, also near the Grand River.

Meantime a flood warning in West Montrose has been upgrade to what the GRCA calls Flood Warning Zone 2.

Grand Valley, Waldemar, Drayton, the Village of Conestogo, New Hamburg, and Ayr are all still under flood warnings.

The Townships of North Dumfries and Wilmot issued reminders to residents to show extra caution around waterways over the next few days as a result.

In a release, North Dumfries officials note the flooding could get worse.

“The GRCA has identified that flows in the Nith River are expected to increase steadily throughout the day, overnight period and into Friday. It is anticipated that water levels will crest in Ayr likely Friday afternoon or evening time period.”

In Wilmot, the Township said, “All Wilmot residents are reminded to avoid banks adjacent to local waterways, which are very slippery and, combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents and guardians should keep children and pets away from all water bodies.”

GRCA has issued a flood warning for the Grand River Watershed, including New Hamburg. The Nith River is back to rising levels and Scott Park is, once again, flooded pic.twitter.com/6VEXvkd2Yd

— Joshua Goeree (@GoereeReport) April 3, 2025

The GRCA notes the flood warnings that have been issued so far are set to stay in effect until Saturday at noon.

A number of road and trail closures were in effect Thursday because of flooding. A list can be found below.

• In Cambridge, Blackbridge Road is closed between Guelph Avenue and Townline Road
• In Cambridge, Mill Run trail is closed between Speedsville Road and Beaverdale Road
• In Cambridge, Grand Trunk Trail in Blair and Lower Linear Trail in Preston are both closed.
• In Wilmot, Holland Mills Road is closed between Bleams Road and the Nith River Bridge
• In Wilmot, Lisbon Road is closed at Nafziger Road
• In Wilmot, Wilby Road is closed between Nafziger Road and Sandhills Road
• In Wilmot, Beckdale Farms Trail is closed in Baden

????@grca_flood_msg has issued a flood warning for West Montrose, Kitchener, Cambridge, Conestogo, New Hamburg & Ayr.
Avoid slippery riverbanks & fast-moving water
Ice-covered water bodies are unsafe—keep kids & pets away
Stay safe: https://t.co/JrcZOkHGap pic.twitter.com/ZqADTNElhP

— Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) April 3, 2025

Part of Riverside Park in Cambridge was also underwater Thursday and while it was closed to the public, it wasn’t because of the flooding.

The city confirmed the park hasn’t actually opened for the season yet, “So, the closure is not due to flooding, but from the normal winter shutdown period.”