Photo courtesy of the City of Cambridge Archives
May 17, 1974 was a sunny day, yet the Grand River breached its banks and caused massive flooding in downtown Cambridge. The river had a normal depth in May of about 0.61 m (or 2 feet) - during the flood its depth peaked at more than 5 metres, or 18 feet.
Now 50 years later we want to show Cambridge both the past and the present of that Great Flood with an extraordinary event happening in May.
Event Schedule - Summary Specific events, dates and times may change
Event Schedule Specific events, dates and times may change
Thursday, April 25, 2024
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
One Day in May: The Great Cambridge Flood 50 Years Later
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office, 12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
One of the most historic events in Cambridge was the flood of 1974. Join Dan Schmalz of the City of Cambridge Archives as he talks about the Flood of 1974, one of the most historic and talked about events in the history of Cambridge. Dan will share resources from the archives and illustrate how the newly amalgamated City of Cambridge came together to recover from the disaster and the flood improvements made since.
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
One Day in May: The Great Cambridge Flood 50 Years Later
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office, 12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
One of the most historic events in Cambridge was the flood of 1974. Join Dan Schmalz of the City of Cambridge Archives as he talks about the Flood of 1974, one of the most historic and talked about events in the history of Cambridge. Dan will share resources from the archives and illustrate how the newly amalgamated City of Cambridge came together to recover from the disaster and the flood improvements made since.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to 2 pm The Great Flood of '74 Location: Civic Square at Cambridge City Hall Cost: Free Greetings from Mayor Jan Liggett at 9 am. Visit with community organizations, including the Cambridge Fire Department. See their Water Rescue Airboat and speak with Fire Department Public Education and City of Cambridge Emergency Management staff. See displays by the City of Cambridge Archives, Grand River Conservation Authority, Cambridge Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and more. |
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to 2 pm
One Day In May – Video Presentation
Location: Bowman Room, Main Floor, Cambridge City Hall
Cost: Free
Produced by Summit Film Productions in 1974 for the Grand River Conservation Authority, One Day In May is a 17-minute film showing the impact of the flood in Cambridge and throughout the watershed. Presented by the Grand River Conservation Authority.
9 am to 2 pm
One Day In May – Video Presentation
Location: Bowman Room, Main Floor, Cambridge City Hall
Cost: Free
Produced by Summit Film Productions in 1974 for the Grand River Conservation Authority, One Day In May is a 17-minute film showing the impact of the flood in Cambridge and throughout the watershed. Presented by the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to 2 pm
How Deep Did the Water Get?
Location: Various locations throughout downtown
At about 7 pm on May 17, 1974 the flood waters crested in Cambridge -- at a depth of 5.48 metres (18 feet).
Look for historic photos in the windows of more than 12 businesses on Main, Water and Ainslie Streets - showing these same buildings during and after the Flood of 1974. You may also see blue markings on store fronts and some streets - indicating the highwater lines on May 17, 1974.
Thank you to the businesses for their support. And thank you to the City of Cambridge Archives Photograph Collection; the Kitchener-Waterloo Record Photograph Collection at the University of Waterloo; and private collectors - for sharing their photographs of the flood with the community.
9 am to 2 pm
How Deep Did the Water Get?
Location: Various locations throughout downtown
At about 7 pm on May 17, 1974 the flood waters crested in Cambridge -- at a depth of 5.48 metres (18 feet).
Look for historic photos in the windows of more than 12 businesses on Main, Water and Ainslie Streets - showing these same buildings during and after the Flood of 1974. You may also see blue markings on store fronts and some streets - indicating the highwater lines on May 17, 1974.
Thank you to the businesses for their support. And thank you to the City of Cambridge Archives Photograph Collection; the Kitchener-Waterloo Record Photograph Collection at the University of Waterloo; and private collectors - for sharing their photographs of the flood with the community.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Jane's Walks
Times and Assembly Locations: See below
Cost: Free
In honour of Jane Jacobs - a writer, urbanist and activist who championed a community-based approach to city-building - there will be several guided walking tours throughout the day, highlighting points of interest and high water marks from the '74 flood.
Jane's Walks
Times and Assembly Locations: See below
Cost: Free
In honour of Jane Jacobs - a writer, urbanist and activist who championed a community-based approach to city-building - there will be several guided walking tours throughout the day, highlighting points of interest and high water marks from the '74 flood.
Jane's Walk The Great Flood of '74: Cambridge's Watershed Moment Saturday, May 4, 2024 9:15 am and 10 am (45 min each) Assembly point: Fire Hall Museum 56 Dickson Street Join Fire Hall Museum volunteers for an informative 45 minute Jane’s Walk tracing the highlights and high water levels in downtown Cambridge during the Great Flood of '74. We’ll stop at the corner of Dickson and Ainslie Streets to pay tribute to Police Constable Jack Shuttleworth – whose photo standing waist-deep in water at this intersection was published around the world. It’s a great opportunity to take a selfie with Jack! These Jane’s Walks will leave from the Fire Hall Museum promptly at 9:15 and 10 am. The tours conclude at Idea Exchange – Old Post Office on Water Street. Please note that the tours include hills, stairs and uneven terrain. Participants should dress for the weather. Washrooms are available at the start and end of the tour; there are no washroom facilities available during tour. |
Jane's Walk Remembering the Flood of '74: Building the Living Levee Saturday, May 4, 2024 1 pm and 2:30 pm (30 min each) Assembly point: McDougall Cottage 89 Grand Avenue South Forever etched in the memories of long-time Cambridge residents is the Great Flood of '74. In the aftermath of that historic flood, and to reduce the risk of future flooding, the Cambridge Living Levee was constructed along the river to protect Galt’s historic downtown core. Join McDougall Cottage staff for an enlightening 30 minute Jane’s Walk. We’ll travel the path of the Levee to explore this excellent example of human adaptation to flooding hazards and learn how the Levee continues to preserve the community. These Jane’s Walks will leave from McDougall Cottage Historic Site promptly at 1 and 2:30 pm. Please note that the tours include hills, stairs and uneven terrain. Participants should dress for the weather. No washroom facilities are available during tours. These walks are free and people can pre-register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/remembering-the-flood-of-74-building-the-living-levee-walking-tour-tickets-862333120577 |
Jane's Walk Flooding and the Old Oak: A testament to resilience Saturday, May 4, 2024 1:30 pm and 3 pm (30 min each) Assembly point: Cambridge Sculpture Garden, 53 Grand Avenue South The Cambridge Sculpture Garden is home to the city’s only Historic Designated Tree. This 150-year-old Oak Tree survived flooding in 1947 and also the devasting flood of 1974. When the berm was constructed along the Grand River to create a protective barrier, City horticulturalist John Kingswood came up with an innovative solution to save the Oak Tree. A five-foot-by-five-foot box was constructed around the tree and drainage pipes were buried extending into the surrounding area. You can still see the original grade of the land five feet down when you look through the deck that surrounds the tree. Not only has the tree survived but it is thriving, and we hope that it will live another 150 years ... oak trees have been known to live 300 years! Join us for this Jane’s Walk to see the tree for yourself and hear more about this resilient Oak Tree, the Cambridge Sculpture Garden, and the importance of preserving urban greenspace in our cities. |
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Water, Water, Everywhere - Flooding at the Cambridge Farmers' Market
7 am to 1 pm
Location: Cambridge Farmers' Market, 40 Dickson Street
Cost: Free
The Cambridge Farmers' Market, built in 1887, has been impacted by many floods throughout its history. The Market will commemorate the Flood of '74 by marking the height of the water on their building at the corner of Ainslie and Dickson Streets. You’ll also discover photo enlargements of the Market building during this and other floods, in addition to a video about one of the Market’s vendors who drove downtown that Saturday in 1974. And while you're at the Market, stock up on cheese, meat, fish, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and much more!
Water, Water, Everywhere - Flooding at the Cambridge Farmers' Market
7 am to 1 pm
Location: Cambridge Farmers' Market, 40 Dickson Street
Cost: Free
The Cambridge Farmers' Market, built in 1887, has been impacted by many floods throughout its history. The Market will commemorate the Flood of '74 by marking the height of the water on their building at the corner of Ainslie and Dickson Streets. You’ll also discover photo enlargements of the Market building during this and other floods, in addition to a video about one of the Market’s vendors who drove downtown that Saturday in 1974. And while you're at the Market, stock up on cheese, meat, fish, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and much more!
Saturday, May 4, 2024
After the Flood of '74 - Presentation
11 am to noon
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office
12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
Hear from two individuals - Ken DePodesta and
Tom Smith - who, after the 1974 flood, were
instrumental through the 1970s and 1980s in helping
to guide the planning and integration of flood protection with open space development along the Grand River through Cambridge … leading to the creation of the Living Levee and the downtown that we know today.
Ken DePodesta worked as Project Engineer with Phillips Planning and Engineering on behalf of the Grand River Conservation Authority; he oversaw the planning of flood protection through Cambridge.
Tom Smith worked for the City of Cambridge; he coordinated the City’s open space development plans along the Grand River in conjunction with the Riverbank Development Advisory Committee.
Ken and Tom will share their memories of those times – the challenges and the successes.
After the Flood of '74 - Presentation
11 am to noon
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office
12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
Hear from two individuals - Ken DePodesta and
Tom Smith - who, after the 1974 flood, were
instrumental through the 1970s and 1980s in helping
to guide the planning and integration of flood protection with open space development along the Grand River through Cambridge … leading to the creation of the Living Levee and the downtown that we know today.
Ken DePodesta worked as Project Engineer with Phillips Planning and Engineering on behalf of the Grand River Conservation Authority; he oversaw the planning of flood protection through Cambridge.
Tom Smith worked for the City of Cambridge; he coordinated the City’s open space development plans along the Grand River in conjunction with the Riverbank Development Advisory Committee.
Ken and Tom will share their memories of those times – the challenges and the successes.
Friday, May 3 to Thursday, May 9
The Unseen Photos of the Great Flood of ‘74 - Photo Exhibit
9:30 am to 5:30 pm - on Saturday, May 4
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office, 12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
From the floor to ceiling glass walls in the Riverview Room, look out upon the Grand River and compare the River today with a selection of photo enlargements of the raging water during the 1974 flood, borrowed from public and private collections.
On exhibit from Friday, May 3 to Thursday, May 9 during library open hours - Check the Idea Exchange website for their daily hours.
The Unseen Photos of the Great Flood of ‘74 - Photo Exhibit
9:30 am to 5:30 pm - on Saturday, May 4
Location: Idea Exchange Old Post Office, 12 Water Street South
Cost: Free
From the floor to ceiling glass walls in the Riverview Room, look out upon the Grand River and compare the River today with a selection of photo enlargements of the raging water during the 1974 flood, borrowed from public and private collections.
On exhibit from Friday, May 3 to Thursday, May 9 during library open hours - Check the Idea Exchange website for their daily hours.
The Unseen Photos of the Great Flood of '74
sponsored by Water's Edge Environmental Solutions Team
sponsored by Water's Edge Environmental Solutions Team
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to sunset Take a Selfie with Jack! Location: 35 Ainslie Street North Cost: Free The photo of Jack Shuttleworth, a Waterloo Regional Police Service Constable, standing waist deep in water at the corner of Ainslie and Dickson Streets is the most iconic image from the 1974 Flood. On this day, you'll find that same photo of Jack, back at the same street corner - the perfect place for a selfie! Mike Manley, a photographer for the Hamilton Spectator newspaper, took the original photo using a telephoto lens - if you’re taking a photo in 2024, be careful to watch for pedestrians, cyclists and car traffic at this intersection! The reproduction photo is produced by Krajewski Gallery & Framing on Main Street in Cambridge. Thanks to Kiki McDonald Bridal for generously allowing us to put Constable Shuttleworth in their window for a few days! If you’re looking for a souvenir of the Great Flood of ’74, Krajewski Gallery & Framing offers reprints for sale in various sizes and formats of the iconic photo of Cst. Jack Shuttleworth. Krajewski Gallery & Framing is generously donating a portion of sales from orders taken on May 4 to the Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre. |
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Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to 2 pm
The Great Flood of '74 - Exhibit
Location: Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre
Cost: Free
See the Fire Hall Museum's new exhibit about flooding and water rescue in Cambridge, with a focus on the 1974 flood.
The ebb and flow of the Grand and Speed Rivers through Cambridge have been a constant source of concern for city residents. As the settlements of Galt, Preston, Hespeler, and Blair developed along the banks of the two rivers, weary eyes kept watch for potential high water and flooding.
A rapid spring thaw or heavy rain upstream caused the waters to rise and potentially spill over the banks of the waterways. Often the rushing waters washed away bridges and flooded low-lying areas such as Preston’s Riverside Park and Galt’s downtown, leaving behind massive ice flows or other debris, while inundating homes and businesses. Many local residents remember Hurricane Hazel in 1954, and the flood of May 1974, but there have been many floods throughout the city's history.
The exhibit will be in place through the end of 2024, for viewing on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
9 am to 2 pm
The Great Flood of '74 - Exhibit
Location: Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre
Cost: Free
See the Fire Hall Museum's new exhibit about flooding and water rescue in Cambridge, with a focus on the 1974 flood.
The ebb and flow of the Grand and Speed Rivers through Cambridge have been a constant source of concern for city residents. As the settlements of Galt, Preston, Hespeler, and Blair developed along the banks of the two rivers, weary eyes kept watch for potential high water and flooding.
A rapid spring thaw or heavy rain upstream caused the waters to rise and potentially spill over the banks of the waterways. Often the rushing waters washed away bridges and flooded low-lying areas such as Preston’s Riverside Park and Galt’s downtown, leaving behind massive ice flows or other debris, while inundating homes and businesses. Many local residents remember Hurricane Hazel in 1954, and the flood of May 1974, but there have been many floods throughout the city's history.
The exhibit will be in place through the end of 2024, for viewing on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9 am to 2 pm
Remembrances of the Great Flood of ’74 – Video Presentation
Location: Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre
Cost: Free
Hear remembrances of local residents who lived through the Great Flood of ’74, collected during the winter of 2024. Produced by Amazing Cambridge Ontario.
The video will be in place through the end of 2024, for viewing on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
9 am to 2 pm
Remembrances of the Great Flood of ’74 – Video Presentation
Location: Fire Hall Museum & Education Centre
Cost: Free
Hear remembrances of local residents who lived through the Great Flood of ’74, collected during the winter of 2024. Produced by Amazing Cambridge Ontario.
The video will be in place through the end of 2024, for viewing on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
11 am to midnight
Thirteen Food & Beverage
Location: 13 Main Street, Cambridge
The Mixologists at Thirteen Food & Beverage have crafted a special cocktail – The Highwater Highball – for “Remembering the Flood of '74” to purchase and enjoy with lunch, dinner or an afternoon break while you are touring downtown Cambridge.
11 am to midnight
Thirteen Food & Beverage
Location: 13 Main Street, Cambridge
The Mixologists at Thirteen Food & Beverage have crafted a special cocktail – The Highwater Highball – for “Remembering the Flood of '74” to purchase and enjoy with lunch, dinner or an afternoon break while you are touring downtown Cambridge.
Sunday, May 5 to Saturday, May 11, 2024
Emergency Preparedness Week 2024
Everyone has a role to play in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. The intent of the theme is to encourage Canadians to understand the risks in their area and learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.
Emergency Preparedness Week 2024
Everyone has a role to play in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. The intent of the theme is to encourage Canadians to understand the risks in their area and learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.
Opening Friday, May 17, 2024 to the end of the year
Currents of Change: Inspiring Action along the Grand River - Exhibit
Location: McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Avenue South
Cost: Free
See McDougall Cottage's new exhibit - Currents of Change: Inspiring Action along the Grand River.
Stretching from Dundalk to Lake Erie, the Grand River watershed is home to around one million people, 90 species of fish, and 250 species of birds. It is also a main source of drinking water for these populations.
Through a blend of history, ecology, and Indigenous and settler narratives, this captivating exhibit at McDougall Cottage examines the profound and dynamic connection between the Grand River, Cambridge’s heritage, and our collective future.
Come discover the shared responsibility for the River’s preservation and learn what can be done to help protect this vital resource for future generations.
Check the McDougall Cottage Historic Site website for their regular hours.
Currents of Change: Inspiring Action along the Grand River - Exhibit
Location: McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Avenue South
Cost: Free
See McDougall Cottage's new exhibit - Currents of Change: Inspiring Action along the Grand River.
Stretching from Dundalk to Lake Erie, the Grand River watershed is home to around one million people, 90 species of fish, and 250 species of birds. It is also a main source of drinking water for these populations.
Through a blend of history, ecology, and Indigenous and settler narratives, this captivating exhibit at McDougall Cottage examines the profound and dynamic connection between the Grand River, Cambridge’s heritage, and our collective future.
Come discover the shared responsibility for the River’s preservation and learn what can be done to help protect this vital resource for future generations.
Check the McDougall Cottage Historic Site website for their regular hours.