Presentation from the Engineer
Neal Morris, P. Eng, K.Smart Associates Limited presented the Gaunt-Laidlaw Municipal Drain Report. Council considered an engineers report for this matter on August 14, 2023, and referred the matter back to the engineer. Following reconsideration, the Engineer has addressed concerns regarding standing water, the extension of the drain, and a potential expansion of the watershed boundary.
This revised report reflects current watershed boundary conditions, including the Township Road allowance and relevant drainage assessments. Updates to the tile design include an additional 169 meters of drainage tile and one catch basin to capture surface water between properties. The proposed design maintains a 1.5” drainage coefficient.
Presentations from the Public
All property owners affected by the drain had the opportunity to influence Council's decision.
Any petitioner had the right to withdraw from the petition. Other owners in the area requesting drainage have the right to sign the petition. No petitioners withdrew their names, no names were added to the petition.
Tina Metske requested clarification from the engineer on why when the drain functioned before, it isn't now. Metske reported that work had been done on an adjoining property, and the drain did not function following that work being completed.
The Drainage Superintendent noted that this petition had been signed before their appointment to the Drainage Superintendent position, and they could not speak to why the petition was originally requested. However once the petition is signed and the process begins, a legislative process must complete.
Staff explained that drain maintenance only would require restoration to the previous standard, however this new proposed design for improvement should address current conditions and provide benefit to all landowners. The drain is designed to permit regular rainfall events from crossing property boundaries.
Metske reported that 5-10 years ago, they had requested maintenance which they do not believe was completed.
The Engineer reported that no catch basins existed in the original Drain report although private catch basins may have existed. Morris spoke to improved standards in drainage design since the original report was written and clarified the Engineer does not have the authority under the Drainage Act to apply punitive measures, and is only able to design the drain and assess cost and benefit as designed.
Questions and Clarification from Council
Council inquired about a line item including Dickies Creek. Morris confirmed that debris and beaver dam removal is required for the drain to function properly. Morris noted that the Drainage Superintendent no longer has the authority to remove beaver dams upstream of municipal drains.
The Conservation Authority supported incorporating this area of Dickies Creek to allow for the removal of beaver dams. This line item is included to permit future maintenance works, which are not currently required based on the current water levels.