City Departments
Stormwater Management Master Plan
Be Part of the Process!The City of Cambridge is looking for input from the community for the Stormwater Management Master Plan. PIC will occur, however if you wish to contribute your views online, we are providing a method that is fast and easily accessable. Your feedback is needed before August 31st, 2009; Click Here to provide feedback. |
To view the details on the June 23, 2009 Stormwater Management Master Plan Public Meeting please click here
Stormwater Management Master Plan Frequently Asked Questions
To provide you a better understanding of stormwater management, the following are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
What is the Stormwater Management Master Plan?
This study represents a City-wide examination of flooding and surface water quality problems. This study involves an assessment of the background, cause, and possible solutions associated with the various flooding and surface water quality problems. The study also includes developing new policies for stormwater management, to address the impacts from new (and existing) development.
Why do we need a Stormwater Management Master Plan?
Cambridge has been struck by several recent flooding events (notably in 2005, 2006, and 2008). These storms have caused extensive damage to public and private property and have resulted in an elevated risk associated with flooding. There is also an on-going concern that Climate Change may be a contributing factor to these recent storm events.
In addition, water quality in local streams, as well as the Speed River and Grand River, is recognized to be gradually declining. This is giving rise to concerns related to the health of various aquatic species, including fish and area wildlife.
Lastly, Provincial Policies are directing more of the community's new development into the currently developed areas through a process known as Intensification. By better understanding the existing problems, the City can more proactively provide direction to new development as it arises.
When was this study started and when will it be completed? What will it cost?
The study was initiated in late 2007. It is expected to be completed by year-end 2009. The budget is $320,000.
Who is conducting and managing the project?
The City of Cambridge Transportation and Public Works Department engaged the services of Philips Engineering Ltd. to prepare the study. While the City's Transportation and Public Works Department is managing the project, there are various stakeholders which are supporting and contributing to its preparation including, Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), Region of Waterloo, and multiple City Departments.
How is the Stormwater Management Master Plan being prepared?
The City developed Terms of Reference with the support of staff from the Grand River Conservation Authority, which outlined the various tasks required for the study. The process which is being followed adopts the Municipal Engineers Association, Class Environmental Assessment protocols for the production of Master Plans. The study has included requisite stakeholder and public consultation, including two (2) Public Information Centres, the first of which was held in late 2007, and the next expected in the spring of 2009.
What will be the outcome of the study and how will the information be used?
The study will provide a prioritized summary of infrastructure improvements to address the various problems cited above; these will include upgrades to storm sewers, bridges/culverts, overland flow routes, and stormwater management facilities. The City will implement the various recommendations on a priority basis, as part of its overall mandate to maintain City infrastructure in a safe and economic manner, along with its other responsibilities to roadways, water, and sanitary services.
A Recent Project - Groff Mill Creek Flood Management
The Groff Mill Creek, which is a tributary to the Grand River, is a highly urbanized creek which drains a large portion of the Hespeler Commercial and Industrial area. It flows through the Dumfries Conservation Area and ultimately winds its way through the Galt Country Club before discharging to the Grand River.
Severe storms in 2005 and 2006 caused extensive damage to local homes, the Coronation Boulevard crossing and the Galt Country Club, in addition to widespread flooding within the Dumfries Conservation Area. In response to these serious flooding events, the City of Cambridge initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study in the fall of 2006 to investigate the causes of the problems and develop various solutions, in consultation with the Public and area stakeholders.
By early Spring 2007, a Master Plan to address the flooding potential within the Groff Mill Creek Watershed was prepared and presented to the Public. The primary (key) elements of the flood management strategy included:
1. An earthen Flood Control Berm in the Dumfries Conservation Area;
2. An upgraded culvert crossing Coronation Boulevard;
3. Enhanced capacity in a bio-engineered channel across Galt Country Club.
Installation of the culvert for Groff Mill Creek/Dumfries Conservation Area happened in early March. To see the press release for the installation, click here.
To see news about the Groff Mill Creek project, visit the following hyperlinks:
Crews make divot around Groff Creek
Second phase of flood control underway
A stormwater management public information centre (PIC) 1 has taken place.
click here for the info