Cedar Creek Floodplain Study

A study to update the floodplain mapping and determine the appropriateness of a Two-Zone Policy Area for the portion of Cedar Creek between Cedarbrae Avenue and Albert Street.

The purpose of this study is to update the existing floodplain mapping for the portion of Cedar Creek between Cedarbrae Avenue and Albert Street, and determine the appropriateness of creating a Two-Zone Policy Area.

Currently, Cedar Creek is treated as a One-Zone Policy Area, which means development in the floodplain is very restricted. In a Two-Zone Policy Area, the floodplain is divided into two parts: the inner floodway (where the deepest and fastest flows occur, and the most significant threat to life and property exists), and the outer flood fringe (where depths and velocities are less severe).

This Two-Zone approach identifies lands that can be safely developed. New development is generally prohibited in the floodway, but may be permitted in the flood fringe subject to certain requirements, including flood proofing and ensuring safe access during a flooding event.

This study will update the floodplain mapping and do a detailed analysis to determine the potential limits of a floodway and flood fringe, and where development could occur without increasing floodplain elevations or presenting a risk to life and property. This study will also consider flood reduction options. As is the case throughout the City of Waterloo and most municipalities in southern Ontario, the flooding standard used for this study is Hurricane Hazel. Hurricane Hazel was a storm that hit the Toronto area in October 1954 where over 28 cm (11 inches) of rain fell within 48 hours. *It is important to note this study is technical in nature – the study itself does not mean a development proposal or a change in land use.

This portion of Cedar Creek was chosen to study for two reasons. The first reason is that it was identified many years ago as having potential to be a Two-Zone Policy Area but needed the technical study to be completed to determine if it was appropriate. The second reason is that there are hydraulic constraints (i.e. culverts) at the upstream and downstream ends of the reach. These hydraulic constraints act as reasonable starting and stopping spots. The study area was then established around the creek to capture properties that have the potential to be directly or indirectly affected by the floodplain. For a more interactive map of the existing floodplain, you can use Grand River Conservation Authority’s Map Your Property tool.

When ready, the draft results of the study will be posted to this page. A Public Information Centre will also be held to present the draft results of the study. Subscribe to receive updates as they become available.

Advisory Notes:

1. This study is being undertaken at the request of a landowner within the study area, in accordance with the existing policy framework, and is being funded by that landowner. The City and Grand River Conservation Authority are the review and approval authorities of the study.
2. The results of this study may lead to amendments to the City of Waterloo’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law, as well as the Grand River Conservation Authority’s regulated area mapping for Ontario Regulation 41/24, Conservation Authorities Act.