Pinkerton Flooding Update March 20, 2026

The Municipality of Brockton continues to work closely with Bruce County, Provincial agencies, and Conservation partners in response to a unique flooding situation in Pinkerton. Based on a preliminary analysis, recent snowmelt and rainfall caused a 100-year flood event on the lower reaches of the Teeswater River near Pinkerton. During this event, a breach in the privately-owned Pinkerton dam led to flooding of homes and across Bruce County Rd 15.

On March 19-20, 2026 a cofferdam (temporary, watertight enclosure made of sandbags) was constructed to create a dry, safe and stable environment for the affected households and County Roads affected as a result of the rerouting of the Teeswater River due to the dyke breach around the privately owned dam, and high velocity water flows.

To protect your safety, residents are advised to avoid this area due to the high water levels.

The Municipality, County of Bruce, and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority continue to conduct daily site inspections and ongoing monitoring of water levels in the area.

The Municipality has also contacted the Province of Ontario about potential emergency funding that may be available to support the affected homeowners and the Municipality’s mitigation efforts conducted as a result of the significant rainfall event which caused this flooding situation in Pinkerton.

Technical experts have advised that it may take several months before the Dam Owner can complete emergency repairs. Until then, the river is expected to flow through the dam breach and continue carving a new channel back to the river. Flooding is likely to remain an ongoing problem in Pinkerton until the dam is repaired and the river is redirected to its original course.

Saugeen Conservation has reduced the Flood Warning to a Flood Watch for Pinkerton. Intervention measures have helped reduce flows over Bruce Road 15 and around affected homes. However, flooding is still occurring in low-lying areas, and impacted residents remain at risk. A Water Safety Statement remains in effect for the rest of the Saugeen watershed. While water levels are declining, they are still high, and freezing rain today will create slippery and dangerous conditions near rivers and streams. Stay back from all watercourses and keep family and pets at a safe distance. 

Bruce County has closed a section of Bruce Road 15 between Sideroad 5 Greenock and Greenock Brant as of March 18th, 2026. This closure is for all vehicles, including emergency responders. Emergency responders are using alternative routes to provide services. A detour is now in place, using Sideroad 5, Concession 10, and Greenock Brant. Signs are in place to guide vehicles through the detour.

The Municipality remains in an Enhanced Monitoring State. Residents can continue to monitor the Municipality’s Pinkerton Flooding webpage and our social media accounts to stay informed.

Mayor Chris Peabody
Issued March 20, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.