A local community prone to flooding is part of a pilot project designed to change the way flood risk information is gathered.
The Town of Tecumseh has joined the City of Windsor and three other Canadian municipalities in a study on flood data sharing. The study was done in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Water Network, a non-profit group that works with shareholders in solving water-related challenges.
Tecumseh has faced several serious floods within the past three years, and much of the municipality is in a flood-prone area. The ward represented by Tecumseh Councillor Andrew Dowie covers much of that area. He told BlackburnNewsWindsor.com the study is uncovering a lot of information that will help the town prepare for, and ultimately prevent floods.
"We just did a review of some water drainage for the urban part of the municipality, and some solutions have been identified to persistent issues," said Dowie. "But, this isn't a sewer condition issue. It's a climate change issue."
News of the study came during the same week the four biggest federal political parties outlined their plans to help municipalities with disaster mitigation related to climate change. The NDP has pledged to give $2.5 billion to municipalities for this purpose. The Liberals have promised a national flood insurance program along with E-I assistance for Canadians affected by flooding. The Conservatives have suggested a tax credit for "green" home renovations and retrofitting, and the Green Party would work closely with communities on improving their water systems.
Dowie said the study addresses one of the biggest concerns by residents living in his ward, which is insurance companies blaming the municipality for flooding. He said the study has shown the insurance industry that the town's infrastructure is not to blame.
"They [the insurance industry] have a lot of geographic information now in terms of pumping station locations, the sewer locations, and what some of the elevations are in town," said Dowie.
A complete report on the study has been commissioned by Tecumseh Town Council, and Dowie said he expected it to be ready by this week.
