The Municipality of Lakeshore is taking a "multi-pronged" approach to address flooding concerns and would like to hear from residents affected by the issue.
Council approved a Flood Mitigation and Protection Framework during a special meeting on August 12 to help address the challenges caused by flooding in the community.
“As a Council, reducing the impact of flooding and protecting our community members and their homes is the highest priority. This is the bold vision and comprehensive action that the Municipality needs and our residents expect,” said Mayor Tom Bain. “However, we also recognize the need to work with local stakeholder and higher levels of government to achieve these goals.”
Municipal officials met with Amarjot Sandhu, the parliamentary assistant to the province's minister of infrastructure and David Piccini, minister of environment, conservation, and parks to draw attention to the issue and request further funding to help with flood mitigation efforts.
The municipality says the new framework will focus on roadway and basement flooding caused by stormwater and sanitary sources. The framework will include investments in new programs, policy and by-law reviews, as well as staff positions to support its implementation.
“While it won’t be a quick fix, the framework is a significant investment in our organizational capacity and a step towards ensuring the safety of our citizens and their properties in the face of flooding,” said Chief Administrative Officer Truper McBride. “As we roll out the framework we will continue to communicate to our community members about available programs and support as well as seek the feedback of those impacted.”
The municipality says it will also roll out smoke testing programs to identify sanitary sewer cross-connections, expand its building inspections, review its drainage systems and create a flooding rapid response plan.
Local residents and property owners affected by flooding are being asked to fill out an online survey to help identify problem areas.
Property owners may also be eligible for a number of subsidies designed to mitigate flooding, including mini-camera inspections, backwater valves, sump pump overflows, and downspout disconnections.
