How to decrease the likelihood of flooding as rain rolls through Waterloo Region

Water flowed into a sewer grate in Kitchener on March 5, 2025. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

The City of Kitchener is asking resident to think ahead as a major rainstorm is expected to roll through Waterloo Region.

Homeowners are asked to clear snow away from the foundations of their homes and downspouts to try to prevent potential flooding.

“This is the most snow that we’ve seen accumulated since 2008 and we haven’t had the thaws in January and February that we typically have. We’re just asking people to be aware of where that snow is accumulated, to clear it away from their foundations,” Nick Gollan, manager of utility planning and programs for the City of Kitchener, said.

Gollan said homeowners can help by keeping the space around downspouts clear, removing any ice blockage in gutters and looking for any signs of water in the basement.

“[Check for] any seepage through cracks in the foundation. Use dehumidifiers if it’s just a mild case of dampness. But if you’ve got a more serious problem, seek some professional help,” Gollan said.

Gollan adds homeowners should try to run their sump pump at least once a month to make sure it is in working condition.

Woodhouse Group, a general contractor and real estate management company, said they received about ten calls for service Wednesday morning. They said if people clear the snow away before it melted, they could be in a better position.

“Spending about 10 minutes of prep time can help save your life and your home,” Eric Kingston, vice president of operations at the Electrical Safety Authority said.

The Electrical Safety Authority has a list of tips for homeowners dealing with potential flooding.

Kingston said homeowners should consider moving any electrical appliances away from areas where the home may experience some flooding.

Outside, extension cords and other electronics should be unplugged and moved. If you need to evacuate the home ahead of flooding, try to disconnect the power.

“Unplugging devices. Unplugging things that are going to be below the expected water line. If they do end up getting wet, make sure we don’t plug those things back in, because that could be dangerous,” Kingston said.

As for city infrastructure, Kitchener has been dealing with some localized ponding, but Gollan said nothing major has been reported yet.

According to Gollan, the sewer system can handle up to a five-year storm. The term is used to describe a period of intense rain that typically occurs every five years.

CTV Weather Specialist Will Aiello doesn’t think the rain will reach the five-year storm level, but with all the extra snow melting it could cause issues.

“At the rate that it’s melting right now, we’re okay. If we get a very heavy rainfall compounded with the melting snow, there may be areas of localized flooding, and we’ll be addressing those as they come up,” Gollan said.

Meanwhile, the City of Cambridge said it is working with the Grand River Conservation Authority to monitor any flooding conditions.

“At this time, water levels are not expected to need floodwalls installed. City crews are always ready to be deployed to setup the flood walls on the Parkhill, Concession Street, and Main Street bridges when needed,” an email from a city spokesperson said.

For some, the warnings bring back memories of a major flood that happened 50 years ago and the impact on local infrastructure.

“As far as the weather goes, it is a concern, period, because we’ve neglected it for so long. We haven’t put in the infrastructure that’s needed. Yes, it’s a concern,” Cambridge resident Jean Walters told CTV News while taking her dog, Marcus, for a walk in the rain.

“A lot of work has gone on here, in Cambridge, since the big flood in 1974, which was about the year I came to Canada,” she recalled.

“We had quite a bit of snow, it’s melting, there’s additional water with the rain that’s coming – so, yes, I’d have to say after all that I am concerned about the climate in general.”

She said Marcus is also not a fan of the rain.

Local emergency services are also reminding all residents to stay off all bodies of water, even if they appear to be frozen.