Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of water enthusiasts who enjoy activities on local reservoirs and waterways. As part of its annual procedures, the GRCA has begun the installation of public safety devices, specifically warning booms and buoys, upstream of GRCA-owned dams to alert paddlers, anglers and boaters to stay away.
The installation of these buoys and booms will begin the week of April 20, 2026, and is expected to be complete by mid-May. Timing is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Dams can pose serious hazards that can result in injuries or even fatalities if warning signs are ignored. Water surges through gates and valves or over the dams, creating strong undertows and currents around the structures, which can be extremely dangerous.
The GRCA owns and operates 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and takes a variety of actions and approaches to help ensure people are safe and have awareness of the dangers around water, and in particular around GRCA dams. In addition to warning booms and buoys, safety devices that are provided at GRCA-owned dams include a danger sign upstream of the dam and a sign that indicates there’s a portage ahead (for sites that are deemed navigable). There are also signs located at the upstream and downstream portage locations, and typically more danger signs closer to the dam. At dams with a tailwater fishery, there are also warning signs downstream of the dam warning of changing river flows. These are placed at angler access points and coordinated with groups such as Friends of the Grand River.
“The GRCA maintains a robust dam safety program to educate the public about the dangers around dams. In addition to public safety devices and signage, we have created a 12-page easy-to-read booklet on water safety tips for children, which can be requested through our website,” said Katelyn Lynch, Director of Water Infrastructure. “The GRCA also has a working model of a low-head dam, which we bring to community events and children’s water festivals and provides a visual of the true power of water, which can often be overlooked.”
The Canadian Dam Association provides guidelines for best industry practices concerning public safety around dams, including recommendations for risk assessments and safety devices including signage, booms, and buoys. The GRCA has secured approvals from Transport Canada, which oversees navigable waterways, for its dams and their associated safety buoys and booms. In accordance with regulations set by Transport Canada, the GRCA is continuing to gradually replace existing orange booms with yellow booms.
It is important to remember that while the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous. The GRCA urges all water enthusiasts to heed the warning buoys and booms, obey the signage and stay away from the dams for their own safety. These booms and buoys will be in place throughout the spring and summer months and will be removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.
More information about safety around dams is available on the GRCA website. Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet for children is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.
