The Town of the Blue Mountains Council voted recently to have staff provide a report dealing with flooding in the Craigleith Lowlands.. This, decision followed a deputation by Carl Michener, President of the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust (BMWT) in which he warned that new development could significantly increase flood risks for residents and property owners.

In his deputation, Michener urged Council to take immediate action to better understand flood impacts in the lands between Grey Road 19 and 21, north of Monterra Road. His request called for the Town to initiate a Class C Environmental Assessment including two-dimensional hydrological modelling, to accurately assess how runoff from proposed and pending developments could affect surrounding communities.

Council voted positively to approve the preparation of a report by staff dealing with all requests presented by Michener as follows:

  • Initiate a “Class C” Environmental Assessment, with “2D Modelling” of the flooding that would occur in the lands between Grey Road 19 and 21
  • Ensure the hydrological modelling reflects the impact on residents and property owners in adjacent lands when run-off is deflected by new development already approved by council for these lands
  • Refrain from using Pre-Servicing Agreements (PSAs) before it is determined what the effects of the proposed and pending developments will have on the lands in question
  • Clarify how the Town’s Master Drainage Plan relates to, supports, or is interdependent with the above matters.

“Building awareness amongst Council and ensuring staff look into more proactive ways to deal with flooding in this very flood-prone area, before further development is permitted, is a significant step towards greater flood protection and environmental stewardship,” said Michener. “If the Town of the Blue Mountains were to commit to a full environmental assessment before approving further development, Council would be choosing evidence-based planning and public safety.”

The approved motion also directs the Town to:

  • Ensure flood modelling reflects downstream and adjacent property impacts caused by deflected runoff and,
  • Pause the use of Pre-Servicing Agreements until the cumulative effects of development in the area are fully understood.

The Craigleith Lowlands have long been identified as a sensitive area within the Blue Mountains watershed, with growing concern that incremental development could exacerbate flooding under increasingly intense weather events.