[All] Flood and the Grand: Serious warnings & Line 9 show update

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks

I just finished taping Rogers's Talk Local. First half of the show was in regards to Line 9. All went very well but I wanted to let folks know about the second half of the show which was regarding the major flood risk happening with the Grand this year,

The GRCA, police and Region are warning the public about a repeat of the big flood issues that happened back in 1974. According to the GRCA's website:

The flood of May 1974 inundated communities along the Grand River including Kitchener (Bridgeport), Cambridge (Galt) and Brantford, causing millions of dollars in damages. Judge W.W. Leach investigated the causes of the flood and the response of the GRCA, municipalities and other agencies. The report includes recommendations on reservoir operations and other issues.

The GRCA is warning if folks were in the flood zone back then, prepare for a repeat and start removing valuables from basements, learn how to shut of gas lines and utilities ASAP. If the waters come in leave FAST. Do not turn on your own gas after a floods etc.

They have flood response for the Grand but they can't do anything about the Nith. 

Icejam risks exist all along the line and pose the biggest risk of sudden flood scenerios as ice can block up the river fast diverting water out of the river into communities. This year they set up web cams along high risk areas of the Grand. There is plenty of unmelted snow particularly up in the northern headwaters that will make a quick melt should warm rains come. If the weather can hold out for good maple syrup, cold evenings warm days, it may help reduce the risk but right now it's not looking good. This years flood could be big and costly.

If the sediment is stirred up, they may have to close the Grand River intakes for KW and that's 20% of our water supply. We have two days worth in storage.  They can resort to other wells but currently the river is the largest single source. If sediment increases beyond the 50 threshhold, it's to expensive to treat, the intakes will be closed. 

The Region's Hydrologist Eric Hodgins, Council member/GRCA head Jane Mitchell and David Schultz from the GRCA as well as a police liasion officer were all on hand to give details. 

It's a show to watch.

Talk to you later

Lulu :0)
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