Otonabee Conservation Releases New Floodplain Mapping Studies To Better Predict Flood Paths In The Area
/Otonabee Conservation has undertaken extensive floodplain mapping projects in seven high priority areas within the Otonabee Region watershed.
Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
Floodplain mapping has been created in study areas within Meade, Curtis, Jackson, and Baxter Creeks, North and South Kawartha Lakes, Ouse River in Norwood, and for several tributaries around Lakefield.
The objective of floodplain mapping is to identify the areas expected to be inundated during extreme high-water events.
Floodplain maps use data and technical models to predict the path of floodwaters—the area known as the floodplain. A floodplain map does not create a flooding hazard, it simply shows where the flooding will occur.
A map of the floodplain helps to determine where new buildings may be located and if a property is at risk during a flood or storm event.
“We will use the new floodplain maps to help protect property and human life,” explains Don Allin, acting manager of Plan Review and Permitting Services at Otonabee Conservation, “Our eight partner municipalities will also use floodplain maps to help direct future development outside the floodplain and by integrating them into municipal official plans we will all help to mitigate the risks of developing inside areas that are prone to flooding.”
Property and homeowners can also use floodplain maps to see if they may be affected by the floodplain. By searching their address, anyone can see if the property in question is at risk during a flood or storm event and in some cases, property owners may need to take measures to protect existing buildings from flooding.
Otonabee Conservation is hosting a Virtual Floodplain Mapping Public Information Centre (PIC) is from March 9 to April 9, to encourage questions and feedback from watershed residents about new floodplain mapping projects. To participate in the PIC
View Otonabee Conservation’s Floodplain Mapping Story Map
Search by address on the online Interactive Floodplain Map
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Submit any further questions or comments to Otonabee Conservation
