The StudyThe Corporation of the City of Barrie has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess alternative solutions to reduce the frequency of flooding in Whiskey Creek at Minets Point. This reach of Whiskey Creek, including both public and private property within the Whiskey Creek floodplain, experiences regular flooding and as such, this EA will assess solutions to mitigate flooding between The Boulevard and Kempenfelt Bay. Alternative solutions may include changes to the existing road, creek culverts, and other infrastructure in the area to mitigate flooding downstream of The Boulevard to Kempenfelt Bay. The Study Area encompasses the Whiskey Creek floodplain from the outlet at Kempenfelt Bay to just upstream of The Boulevard. The limits of the study are depicted on the figure provided to the right.The Process
The Study is being completed in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule “B” projects outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Manual (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). Alternative solutions will be developed and evaluated based on their natural, physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts and the opportunities and constraints of the project.
There will be an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to review the alternatives under consideration, and to provide input and comments. This is anticipated to be held during winter 2021, and the format will be dependent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place at the time. Additional notices of public engagement will be published in future editions of this newspaper. Project information can also be viewed on the City’s website atwww.barrie.ca/EAstudies as it becomes available. Upon completion of the Study, a Final Class EA Report documenting the Preferred Solution will be prepared for public/agency review and comment.
The City has retained the consulting firm Tatham Engineering Limited to complete this Study. Further details on the Municipal Class EA process are available from the consultants’ office.Comments Invited
Comments or requests to receive direct notification of future project activities should be submitted to:
Nathanael Couperus, MASc., P.Eng.
Senior Infrastructure Planning Technologist
The Corporation of the City of Barrie
70 Collier Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 4T5
Tel: (705) 739-4220
Email:Nathanael.Couperus@barrie.ca
This Notice issued September 10 and 17, 2020