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Town plans to address flooding near Bonsecours and Goodfellow beaches

The town is working to address long-standing flooding issues in low-lying settlement areas
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Flooding on Buchanan Street in Alcona, early in March.

A spring melt earlier this year resulted in flooding in the Buchanan Street- Tall Tree Lane area.

Back on March 11, some homes became virtual islands, surrounded by temporary lakes as water ran freely over the roads toward Lake Simcoe.

It’s been a scenario that is repeated nearly every spring, and every heavy downpour. On occasion, Town of Innisfil staff have had to come in and set up pumps, to mitigate flooding in the area.

The town has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment for Drainage Improvements in the Bonsecours Beach-Goodfellow Beach area – an area that includes Reid Street, Bonsecours Crescent, Crystal Beach Road, Goodfellow Avenue, Buchanan and Tall Tree Lane.

The E.A. will include a review of the existing environmental and drainage conditions in the area, and will look at solutions that could include a sediment barrier to protect the storm sewer outlet at the south end of Tall Tree Lane, as well as the culverts that pass under Crystal Beach Road, with a view to preventing siltation that can block the flow of water.

“The study is looking at other viable options,” said Amber Leal, Capital Project Manager. “Land acquisition is assessed and so are potential easements, through the design process.”

Only 30 percent of the design has been completed at this point. “Potential improvements will be showcased through some virtual public engagement that is scheduled to begin next month,” said Leal.

A Public Information Centre (PIC) has been scheduled for May 26, online, to present alternatives and gather input from residents and stakeholders.

As information becomes available, it will also be posted on the Get Involved Innisfil website. A resident survey on the issue has now been posted on the website; click here.

Residents can also provide their comments or ask for further information from project leads, Amber Leal C.E.T., Town of Innisfil (705-436-3740 ext. 3246 or [email protected]), or Amanda Kellett, P. Eng. at Tatham Engineering Ltd. (705-733-9037 ex. 20242 or email [email protected]).


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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