PUBLIC INVITED TO OPEN HOUSE ON FLOOD RISK MAPPING
Extreme weather makes the news frequently. Locally, South Nation Conservation reduces risk to life and damage to property by providing local municipalities and the public advance notice of potential flooding. Flood forecasting responds to weather events experienced in the Watershed and compares them over time. Flood forecasting and warning is an important response to intense precipitation events.
In addition to flood forecasting, South Nation Conservation is one of three Eastern Ontario conservation authorities currently updating and improving flood risk maps for the City of Ottawa. The other two authorities are Rideau Valley and Mississippi Valley. Each of the three is working on maps in sections of the city contained within their respective watersheds. In SNC’s case, the focus has been on John Boyce/ Boundary Municipal Drain from Bank Street to the intersection of Mitch Owens and Ramsayville Roads; and Osgoode Garden Cedar Acres Municipal Drain from Stagecoach to John Quinn Roads
A public open house has been set to enable local residents to comment on the new flood risk maps. It will be hosted December 11, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Greely Community Centre. “South Nation is particularly interested in historical information that residents may be able to provide for these watercourses,” said Sandra Mancini, Team Lead, Water Resources. Mancini invites residents to bring in photos, news clippings, and anecdotal stories to help confirm and compare to flood risk maps.
The mapping will be used by the city and SNC when updating official plans and zoning schedules, and in reviewing other Planning Act applications. “The ultimate goal of the mapping is to help ensure that sound planning decisions are made,” Mancini observed. “It’s all about keeping people and property safe.”
Staff from the Conservation Authority will be on hand at the public open house to respond to any questions and concerns from property owners and residents.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sandra Mancini, 877-984-2948, ext. 223 smancini@nation.on.ca OR Mathieu Leblanc, 877-984-2948, ext. 303 mleblanc@nation.on.ca