GRCA granted federal funding for New Hamburg Flood Mitigation Study

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is undertaking a Flood Mitigation Study for New Hamburg in Wilmot Township, thanks to a $90,000 grant from the federal National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP). The NDMP grant will contribute up to 50 per cent of the project’s funding, with the remaining amount to be funded through the GRCA’s land sale reserves. The project is expected to cost approximately $180,000.

In response to recent flood events, and following discussions with Township of Wilmot staff and New Hamburg residents, the GRCA applied for the NDMP funding in September 2018. Field work and background information review is expected to include the acquisition of bathymetric topography, a survey of existing flood-prone infrastructure, a review of privately completed flood damage assessments, and compilation of data related to recent flooding.

It is anticipated that the project will provide updated flood zone mapping for the area, an estimated average of annual flood damages, a preliminary review of potential options to mitigate flood risk along the Nith River in New Hamburg, and an initial cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of potential options.

As part of the study, the GRCA will be holding at least two Public Information Centres, with the first expected to take place in late spring or early summer.

The study’s findings will support possible future applications for external funding to assist with the cost of implementing any potential flood risk mitigation options in New Hamburg.

The National Disaster Mitigation Program is a federal program that was established in April 2015 to reduce the impacts of natural disasters on Canadians. The program focuses investments on significant, recurring flood risk and costs. Public Safety Canada can fund up to 50 per cent of project costs to a maximum of $1.5 million in federal funding per project. The NDMP funding provides an important opportunity to share the cost of flood-related studies, analysis, floodplain mapping or small mitigation works. The program is expected to conclude on March 31, 2020.

The GRCA is currently managing two other NDMP-funded projects: the Haldimand County Lake Erie Shoreline Hazard Mapping Update and the GRCA Floodplain Mapping Updates.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca