KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North FLOOD ACTION PLAN FROM JULY 24, 2009

STORM
This week the Citys Environment Committee dealt with a report setting out the action plan to resolve the flooding issues that arose from the wide-spread flooding and sewer backups from a major storm in 2009. This includes actions already undertaken and planned for the Beaverbrook Community where about 50 homes were impacted. Investigations since that time included public input, field assessments, detailed topographical surveys, fog testing of sanitary sewer systems to confirm the presence of cross-connections or infiltration sources, basement elevation surveys and camera inspections of affected sewer systems. The investigation has been carried out in five phases, #1 Background data collection; #2 Assessment and problem definition; #3 Identification and evaluation of alternative solutions; #4 Development and approval of an action plan; and #5 Implementation of the approved action plan. This weeks report approved the action plan with work now proceeding on implementation of the recommendations. In Beaverbrook the analysis found a storm water catch basin connected to the sanitary system in the Varley Lane area, which has now been corrected. Water also entered through the holes on maintenance covers and 1400 covers without holes are being installed in Kanata North and South. Fog testing showed other problems with infiltration into the sanitary sewer. In the Leacock area there is a lack of adequate pipe slope so that, despite frequent cleanings, sedimentation occurs. To resolve that problem a new sanitary sewer will be built along Beaverbrook Road and the pipe on Leacock replaced with a better slope and larger pipe size. $4.2 million is in this years budget for the new sewers with work to be completed by early next year. Homeowners can assist in reducing the risk of basement flooding due to sewer backups in a number of ways. One of the most effective means is the removal of uncontrolled stormwater from piped systems. Although, in isolation, one individual property's contribution might appear insignificant, downspouts from eaves troughs may be one of the causes of flooding in their basement, their neighbour's properties or the properties downstream in the sewer system. Directing water from eavestroughs away from foundations and not having sump pumps outlet into your plumbing system are important. Another way homeowners can reduce the risk of flooding is to ensure storm backflow valves are functioning properly and cleanout caps located in their basement are properly sealed. A qualified plumber can assist with this work, if required. A checklist has been

developed to assist homeowners with ways of reducing the risk of basement flooding. Residents continue to be encouraged to participate in the Citys Residential Protective Plumbing Program. Information on these topics is available at Ottawa.ca or at Client Service Centres.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS IN KANATA ESTATES

The detour due to the closure of a part of Kanata Ave follows Kanata Ave and Campeau Dr. Motorists are asked to avoid going through the Kanata Estate area, which has been signed for local traffic only. To stop cut through on Badgeley Avenue a barrier has been erected on the Goulbourn Forced Road to close the road there. I found it pushed aside on Sunday and put it back in place. There are many children on Badgeley and no sidewalks so please obey the signs and use the collector roads.

HYDRANT CLEANING IN KANATA NORTH

Between May 16 and 27 fire hydrant testing will take place throughout Kanata North. This may result in brown or rusty water. While discoloured water is not harmful to your health you should not drink the water or wash laundry as it can stain laundry. You may also detect a temporary loss in water pressure.

GREENBELT LAND USE CONCEPTS

The NCC is reviewing the Greenbelt Master Plan and has prepared preliminary land use concepts that will guide the future of the Greenbelt until 2060. Comments will be received up to June 24, 2011. Visit the NCC website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/greenbeltconcepts for information. Public sessions are being held on May 24 at the National Arts Centre Panorama Room, on May 26 at the Nepean Sportsplex Room B and on June 1at the Chimo Hotel Mackenzie Room. Meetings are from 6 9:30 pm with a presentation at 7, questions 7:30 - 8:30 and workshop groups 8:30 -9:30. (RSVP to info@nccccn.ca by May 23)

VOLUNTEER WITH CITY STREAM WATCH

The City Stream Watch program is holding training sessions for community volunteers on two dates, May 28th and May 29th. These volunteer scientists can take part in monitoring three city streams in Ottawa in 2011. Take this free opportunity to try your hand at being a citizen scientist and learn about stream environments. To register contact Julia Sutton at citystreamwatch@rvca.ca

COMING EVENTS

June 4&5, Give Away Days, put your items at the curb