Second public information centre planned for New Hamburg Flood Mitigation Study

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be hosting a second Public Information Centre for the New Hamburg Flood Mitigation Study on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the New Hamburg Community Hall (251 Jacob Street, New Hamburg).

The information session will follow a drop-in open house format, where an update on the study will be provided and members of the project team will be present to answer questions. The focus of this session is to share updated information on areas at risk of flooding and the associated costs, which are being used to estimate average annual flood damages for New Hamburg. The estimate of average annual flood damages will be used in future benefit/cost analysis of potential flood mitigation options. In addition, preliminary information on flood mitigation options under consideration by the study will be provided. 

“This study will improve our understanding of the impacts and costs of flooding in New Hamburg, and the feasibility of options to better protect at-risk areas,” says Janet Ivey, GRCA Subwatershed Planning Coordinator and the study’s project manager. “We encourage residents to attend the public information session to learn more about the progress of the study, and to share information about ice jams and water levels on their property during past flooding events.”

The GRCA is undertaking the study 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.

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.

The findings of this project may result in amendments to the GRCA's regulated area mapping of Ontario Regulation 150/06 made under the Conservation Authorities Act.

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. More information is available at www.grandriver.ca/NHFloodStudy.

Background

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