By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Back in December, Council directed Administration to present a report detailing a review of the Richmond Drain to identify blockages that would hinder the flow of stormwater, identify any trouble spots that impede the flow of stormwater, and outline potential consequences attributed to intensification in and around the Harrow Centre.
The report was also meant to identify and report on potential actions the Town could take to improve the Richmond Drain and the costs associated with them.
Members of Essex Council were presented the completed report at the April 22 meeting, where it received the report and put in motion a plan to host a drainage open house.
Councillor Jason Matyi made the motion after Council discussion, where many voiced concerns that any request for improvements need to come from the residents, who will foot the bill on any work completed.
In a recorded vote, Councillor Rodney Hammond was opposed.
This drain runs from County Road 20 to its eventual outlet into the Cedar Creek, south of the 4th Concession Road.
The Richmond Drain is predominantly located on private property, Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent, explained. It is around 11kms in length. It has a large watershed, and outlets into Cedar Creek that does eventually carry into Kingsville.
It is estimated Richmond Drain was designed for a one-in-two-year storm event.
A modeling exercise of the storm system was completed in 2021-2022. Any future developments will be subject to stormwater management and restricted release rates so as to not cause further strain.
The flood event in 2023 was recognized as one that was over a one-in-one-hundred-year storm. Dean said the Richmond Drain system did surcharge. It did handle the water, but took a few days.
In terms of condition, the Richmond Drain is heavily vegetated, Dean said.
Three options Dean noted Council could consider to make improvements included appointing an engineering firm to complete a Master Drainage Study, appointing an engineer under Section 76 of the Drainage Act to provide an updated maintenance schedule on the Richmond Drain, or appointing an engineer under Section 78 of the Drainage Act to review and make improvements to the Richmond Drain.
The third option to review and make improvements to the Richmond Drain had advantages in that the Drainage Engineer would conduct all consultations, the Town would get an updated maintenance schedule, and residents would have the opportunity to debenture the cost over five or ten- year terms, Dean explained. There will be a significant dollar value for the engineer cost. This is likely the most feasible.
If Council wanted to proceed, the Drainage Department recommended the third option, however, Dean noted Council does not have to proceed with anything at this time. Typically, these projects are initiated by someone in the watershed.
Mayor Sherry Bondy sees this as a file the next Term of Council should pick-up in the first year. She admitted that was a political decision.
“No amount of drainage infrastructure we would have had could have prevented the storm from 2023,” Bondy said. She suggested hosting drainage open houses in catchment areas.
Councillor Kim Verbeek agreed that the third option was likely the best, but did not believe Council should inflict that upon the residents. It should be up to them to bring it forward, noting it will come with a large cost. Council needs to be clear on how the cost would impact those residents.
Councillor Jason Matyi agreed. He also noted Council does not have to worry about saying “no,” as residents can bring it forward at any time if they believe it is needed.
Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais cautioned the action of postponing movement on the matter. If another large storm were to happen, residents may complain of flooding and point out Council did not act when it had the opportunity.
Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley believed Council should push the information out to the community and have them bring it forward.
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