East Creemore drainage study update
Creemore residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed East Creemore Drainage Project at a Public Information Centre next week.
An Environmental Assessment was originally conducted in 2010. That study focused on two drainage pathways, an eastern conveyance running along Edward Street and a southern conveyance along Concession 3 to the Mad River. Given that more than 10 years has passed without the work being completed, a review is required.
The ultimate goal of the study is to protect the village from flooding due to heavy rainfall events and to plan for future growth. The study is focused on the area from County Road 9 in the north, east to County Road 42, west to Mary Street, and south to the Mad River and will result in a solution designed to handle a 100-year storm.
Project Engineer, Rachel Walton told Clearview council that three options were examined. Option 1 would involve construction of an 1800 by 1200 mm storm sewer to direct flow down Concession 3 to the Mad River and minimize the flow through the eastern conveyance. This was the most expensive option coming in at an estimated $10.8 million.
RJ Burnside is recommending Option 2 which was the solution proposed in the 2010 study. This would consist of a smaller (1200 mm diameter) pipeline down Concession 3 and a mid size drainage channel on the eastern conveyance which would roughly parallel Edward Street. The high level cost of this option is $5.65 million. A portion of that cost would be recouped from developers.
Option 3 is described as a middle ground option, with a mid size storm sewer and mid size drainage channel down the eastern conveyance.
The eastern conveyance will require an eight-metre widening of the North Edward Street right of way and a 25-metre easement through 187 and 237 Edward Street.
Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren expressed concerns about the open channel option.
“Having a wide open ditch is a hazard for children playing and a maintenance issue for the township,” he said.
Van Staveren also stressed the importance of protecting agricultural land.
Watson responded that there are some real advantages to open ditching. “One big benefit is storm water quality control. This (the open channel) will limit the amount of sediment directed to the Mad River.”
Representatives of engineering firm R.J. Burnside will be at the Creemore Community Centre (arena) on Dec. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss various options. Once feedback from the Public Information Centre is reviewed and incorporated, an addendum will be posted for 30 days of public comment.
