According to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health’s Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Science Report, a warming climate in Wellington County is expected to bring more frequent and intense heat waves, heavier rainfall, flooding, poorer air quality, and a greater risk of diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes. These shifts can affect people's health and daily lives, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.
Changing weather patterns can also affect buildings and infrastructure by increasing the risks associated with flooding, high winds, ice, and extreme heat, while placing greater demands on energy systems and increasing the potential for service disruptions during extreme weather events.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, taking steps to adapt and prepare is essential. The following resources and supports can help residents and communities build resilience, reduce risks, and better respond to the impacts of a changing climate.
Protecting Your Property
If you live in a flood-prone area or within a floodplain, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of property damage and improve safety during flood events. The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation recommends that homeowners:
- Know your flood risk and stay informed about local flood warnings and emergency alerts.
- Install and maintain a backwater valve to help prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rain or flooding.
- Install and regularly maintain a sump pump, including a battery backup for power outages.
- Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear and direct downspouts at least two metres away from building foundations.
- Maintain proper grading and drainage around your property so water flows away from buildings.
- Seal cracks in foundations, basement walls, and window wells to reduce water infiltration.
- Move valuable items and important documents out of basements or store them in waterproof containers.
- Prepare an emergency plan and emergency kit for your household and be ready to act if flooding is forecast.
- Review your home insurance policy and understand what flood-related coverage is available.
Click here for a Home Flood Protection Guide
Emergency Alerts and Warning Systems
Grand River Conservation Authority Flood Warnings
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) monitors weather, river conditions, and water levels throughout the Grand River watershed and issues flood messages when conditions could lead to flooding. These alerts help residents, businesses, and municipalities prepare for potential flood events and take action when necessary.
The GRCA issues three types of flood messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement (Yellow): High water levels or weather conditions that could increase flood risk, but flooding is not expected.
- Flood Watch (Orange): Flooding is possible. Residents and municipalities should be prepared and monitor conditions closely.
- Flood Warning (Red): Flooding is occurring or is imminent. Action may be required to protect people and property.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Subscribe to GRCA flood message email notifications.
- Follow GRCA flood updates on social media.
- Monitor local weather forecasts and municipal emergency communications during severe weather events.
- Have an emergency plan and be prepared to act if a Flood Warning is issued.
Click Here for More Information and Flood Alerts
Insurance and Recovery Resources
Flood recovery support typically comes from private insurance, provincial disaster assistance programs, and local flood preparedness and recovery resources.
Home Insurance Coverage
Most Ontario homeowners should first contact their insurance provider immediately after a flood event. Coverage may include:
- Overland flood insurance (water entering from rivers, streams, or surface runoff), if purchased as an endorsement.
- Sewer backup coverage, if included in the policy.
- Temporary living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable, depending on policy terms.
- Cleanup, repairs, and replacement of damaged contents, where covered.
Important: Take photographs, keep receipts, and notify your insurer before beginning major repairs whenever possible. Provincial assistance generally requires evidence of insurance claims or denial letters.
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO)
Ontario operates the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program, which may be activated after significant natural disasters such as floods. The program can help homeowners, tenants, small businesses, farms, and non-profits recover costs not covered by insurance.
Potential assistance may include:
- Cleanup expenses
- Repair or replacement of essential property
- Emergency expenses such as evacuation costs
- Reimbursement of up to 90% of eligible expenses, subject to program limits and deductibles.
However, assistance is only available when the Province formally activates DRAO for a specific geographic area. Residents should check current activation areas at Ontario's disaster assistance website.
The Drayton Flood Mitigation Project
Drayton has a long history of flooding and does not benefit from the flood-control protection provided by Conestogo Lake Dam and has experienced several significant floods, including events estimated to occur once every 10, 25, and up to 50 to 100 years.
Following the 2017 flood, provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance Program funding supported culvert upgrades, shoreline stabilization, and climate adaptation planning.
Improvements to wastewater capacity are now underway. In 2022, the Grand River Conservation Authority completed a flood damage assessment that updated flood mapping, identified vulnerable infrastructure, and evaluated potential mitigation measures. One recommended option, extending the existing dike, could reduce the number of flooded buildings during a 100-year storm by 93%.
The study also recommended a detailed feasibility assessment to evaluate dike design options, drainage improvements, green infrastructure, climate resilience measures, and overall costs and benefits. On December 9, 2025, Council directed staff to pursue funding and partnerships, and support has since been secured through Climate Ready Infrastructure Services and the Cooperators to complete an options analysis and explore private and public funding partnerships.
