HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-01-04, Page 6A change in flood plainmapping along the MaitlandRiver in “lower town”Wingham could potentiallyopen up new areas to limited
development, Morris-
Turnberry councillors were
told at their Dec. 19 meeting.
Kosta Paliouras, water
resources technician with the
Maitland Valley Conservation
Authority, explained
methodology has changed
since the original flood plain
mapping in the 1970s. At that
time the MVCA bought up
houses in the Helena Street
area of Turnberry Ward and
removed them to reduce
damage from periodic
flooding.
The flood plain was
determined then by the
greater of three factors: the
“regional storm” flood limit,
based on Hurricane Hazel; the
100-year year storm or the
historical observed flooding.
He called the new
mapping: “A more specific,
more detailed map that
considers the strongest flows
and the area where there is
still water instead of flowing
water.”
The previous flood plain,
which Paliouras described as
“an extension of the river’s
natural living space” was
effectively based on the
Hurricane Hazel levels when
the area received 73 mm of
rain in a 36-hour period in
advance of the storm, then
was deluged with and
additional 212 mm of rain in a
12-hour period. Because of a change in oneof the two zones within theflood plain, it may be anoption to develop more landin the area, Paliouras said.The floodway, is the area ofthe floodplain that will havegreater depth of water and
water moving at a higher
velocity. Development will
still be forbidden in this area.
The flood fringe is an area
where water may seep in a
case of flooding but it won’t
be as deep and won’t be
moving. It is this area that
could see limited
development with special
permission from MVCA. This
area makes up a large part of
the original flood plain map.
New development or
replacement of an existing
building in this zone will
require flood-proofing of the
building. All windows would
have to be above the flood
line and there couldn’t be a
basement below the flood
line.
Paliouras said the changes
resulted from more detailed
mapping using a GIS system,
the removal of the old
Howsons’ dam and
development of the area as a
natural park, and development
of the Westcast plant above
the dam, all of which had
affected the flow of water.
However, Paliouras warned
the new map does not take
into effect a case where an ice
buildup under the bridge cold
back water up.
Councillors voted to accept
the new flood plain mapping
for planning purposes.
The members and guests of
the Belgrave Women’s
Institute began their
Christmas meeting with a
turkey dinner, catered by the
Belgrave United Church
Women. The president,
Audrey Fenton thanked the
ladies for a delicious meal, to
which Pat Hunking replied.
The program convenor,
Nancy Jardin, introduced
George and Helen
Underwood who showed
slides and spoke of their two-
week trip to China in 2004.
Their pictures showed the
beautiful buildings in some of
the cities, where many new
skyscrapers are taking the
place of the old buildings.
They also visited
greenhouses, a beef farm, rice
paddies and a tea plantation.
The most impressive sight
was the Great Wall of China.
George spoke of the growth
of industry in the country and
the low wages paid to the
workers.
After answering many
questions, they were
presented with a gift of
appreciation.
Several lucky people won a
door prize of Christmas
candy.
The next WI meeting is a
potluck meal at noon Jan. 16
with the speaker being
Andrew Campbell, CKNX
farm broadcaster.
PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2007.
Much thanks
Brenda Carey, life partner of the late Dave Mounsey, an OPP constable and Blyth firefighter, and his step-
father Colin Stanway, right, presented the new defibrilator for the Blyth Fire Department to chief Paul
Josling. Mounsey and Carey had raised money for the medical equipment by running in a marathon in
B.C. in October. Shortly after returning home after successfully completing the run, Mounsey was in an
on-duty car crash that eventually claimed his life. (Dianne Josling photo)
Mapping change could bring new development
Christmas dinner begins
Belgrave WI meeting
Calling home the cows
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eigenheer entertained the
audience at Brussels New Year’s Day Levee
with the Swiss horn. The ‘alpenhorn’, a curved
wooden horn, is sometimes as long as 6 meters
(approximately 20 feet), and is used by herders
in the Alps to call cows to pasture. (Vicky Bremner
photo)
By Keith RoulstonThe Citizen
NEWS
FROM BELGRAVE
The community club meeting
will be at the community centre
on Friday, Jan. 5. All seniors
are welcome to attend.
The Belgrave Kinsmen held
their annual turkey bingo on
Thursday, Dec. 14 with a large
crowd attending.
Congratulations to the 12
winners of turkeys.
There were also 12 winners
of children’s gift bags donated
by Isabel Campbell.
By Linda
Campbell
Call
357-2188
PEOPLE AROUND
BELGRAVE
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