Project Status Notice North Brantford and Tutela Heights Subwatershed Study

The City of Brantford has completed Phases Two and Three of the North Brantford and Tutela Heights Subwatershed Study, a key initiative supporting responsible growth and environmental protection in the 2,720 hectares annexed from the County of Brant in 2017. Approximately 900 hectares of this area are designated for future urban development under the City’s Official Plan – Envisioning Our City: 2051. Figures 1.1 and Figure 1.2 illustrate the study area boundaries for this subwatershed study.

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

About the Study

The Subwatershed Study is a multi-phase initiative that helps the City understand the environmental features of the area and plan for responsible development. It ensures that future growth is balanced with the protection of water resources, natural habitats, features and functions and community safety. The City has completed Phases Two and Three of the study, which builds on earlier work and provides updated technical information and recommendations for managing stormwater, flooding, and ecological features.

Why This Matters?

As Brantford continues to grow, this study ensures that development:

• Reduces flood risk
• Protects water quality and ecosystems
• Supports sustainable infrastructure
• Preserves community health and character

GRCA Regulation Mapping Update

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) regulates areas prone to natural hazards under Ontario Regulation 41/24. Based on the findings of this study, updates to the regulated floodplain mapping are being proposed. These updates will reflect the most current data and help ensure the safety of people and property.

Once the study is approved by the GRCA’s Board, the GRCA Regulation Mapping will be updated to reflect the updated extent of flood hazards, including the appropriate allowance.

Key Study Highlights

1. Environmental & Technical Analysis: Sediment transport studies, groundwater recharge mapping, and urbanization impact assessments.
2. Management Strategy: A hybrid approach combining traditional infrastructure with Low Impact Development (LID) techniques.
3. Natural Heritage Protection: Mapping of sensitive features, ecological restoration opportunities, and protective buffers.
4. Monitoring & Adaptation: Long-term monitoring and adaptive management to address climate change and evolving conditions.

Access the Reports

The following documents are available for review:

• Phase 1 Update Report: This report includes assessments of stream morphology, erosion, surface water and sediment quality, hydrogeology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, hydrology, stormwater infrastructure, and flooding. It identifies areas for protection, restoration, and enhancement. 
• Phases 2 and 3 Subwatershed Report: The Final Phases 2 and 3 Subwatershed Report integrates comprehensive findings and strategies to address urban growth while ensuring the protection of natural and water resources. It includes details from field investigations, updated hydraulic and hydrologic models, and presents a recommended subwatershed management strategy.

Public Consultation

You are invited to review the final documentation on City’s website and provide any feedback and comments.

The Project File Reports are available for a 15-day public review period, ending August 6, 2025. Comments received following this Notice will be reviewed and incorporated, as appropriate.

The Project File Reports are available for review on the City’s website Brantford.ca/SubwatershedStudy

Comment Submission

If you wish to submit comments and/or concerns on this project, please first contact a member of the Project Team:

Zobia Jawed, PhD, M.Eng., MBASenior Project Manager
City of Brantford
519-759-4150 Ext. 5778
zjawed@brantford.ca

Dave Maunder, M.Sc., P.Eng. (Dave Maunder Consulting)Project Manager
Aquafor Beech Limited
647-227-2367
maunder.d@aquaforbeech.com

Notice Posted: July 17, 2025