Staff Reporter
Lakeshore Council has adopted a new plan designed to ensure a swift and efficient response to flooding events caused by extreme rainfall and water runoff.
“The adoption of this plan is a significant step for Lakeshore’s readiness to deal with the issue of flooding. It comes after years of hard work and we appreciate everyone who has played a part in its creation,” said Lakeshore mayor Tracey Bailey. “The flooding we experienced in 2021 is still fresh in the minds of many of the affected residents and demonstrated the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response plan.”
The Flood Response Plan (FRRP), part of the broader Flood Mitigation & Protection Framework (FMPF), provides a detailed overview of how Lakeshore will respond to future flooding events. The plan is organized into four sections:
- Flood alert level system sets out specific triggers, such as storm forecasts, along with the actions to be taken based on each level of alert.
- Flood response team managementdescribes and defines staff responsibilities during a flooding event, as well as how the Flood Mitigation Office will coordinate Lakeshore’s response.
- Flood mitigation activities set out the actions that will be taken before, during, and after a flooding event.
- Communication plan defines how information will be shared with Council, agencies, stakeholders, and residents in flood-affected areas during and after an event, as well as how residents will inform the Municipality about flooding issues.
Council also received an update on the rollout of other action items identified in the Flood Mitigation & Protection Framework. Adopted in 2021, the framework takes a multi-pronged approach to address the complex challenges of flooding and climate change. It includes investments in new programs, expanded investigation and by-law enforcement capacity, policy and by-law reviews, as well as staff positions designed to support its implementation.
Since it was adopted, completed actions include:
- Smoke testing of over 3,000 homes and propertiesdesigned to identify and address clean-out cap and cross-connection issues.
- A Flood Outreach & Education Programto promote awareness and education on mitigation measures available to residents, such as subsidies for mini-cam inspections, sanitary backwater preventors, and sump pump overflow systems.
- Creation of a sanitary system modeland maintenance program for stormwater ponds.
- Staffing positions to carry out flood mitigation and protection programs.
The FMPF update also included upcoming action items and public events related to the Flood Mitigation and Protection Framework. Events include:
- Stormwater Master Plan (Phase 2) Public Information Centre #2
Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Libro Community Centre (1925 South Middle Road, Woodslee)
More information is available at: ca/SWMP2 - Water and Wastewater Master Plan Public Information Centre #1
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Atlas Tube Recreation Centre (447 Renaud Line Road, Belle River)
More information is available at: ca/WWMP
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