The local conservation authority is looking to develop some more guidance when it comes to allowing docks along the Thames River.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has published its Draft Dock Policy on its website for public review and feedback.
Due to the long history of ice jams on the Thames River, efforts have been made for more than four decades to investigate the problem and come up with potential solutions for mitigating them.
As a result, the conservation authority is often asked to make decisions regarding whether or not docks are permitted on the Thames River.
"It has found that even robust docks suffer damage from flooding and ice push and ice jam events," conservation officials said through a media release. "A detailed approach has been lacking for the conservation authority to make informed decisions regarding a given proposed dock."
The reports that guided the creation of the policy include the Technical Report: Ice Guideline for Docks, and the Ice Guideline for Docks which were prepared by an experienced and qualified ice engineer. The goal of the work is to produce an Ice Guideline that assists LTVCA staff in decision-making with respect to permitting for docks regarding ice issues.
The Ice Policy’s area of jurisdiction extends from the mouth of the Thames River up to Communication Road, near the eastern city boundary for Chatham. The Ice Guideline’s area of jurisdiction is limited to the lower Thames River, and it excludes the tributaries, such as various creeks and canals, that feed into the Thames River, with the exception of Lighthouse Cove canals.
The draft policy will be available for the month of August for review and feedback. It can be viewed by clicking here.
Any comments or feedback can be directed to Valerie Towsley at Valerie.Towsley@ltvca.ca.
