Niagara-on-the-Lake reflects on flooding response and outlines next steps

One year after the significant rainfall and flooding events of June and July 2024, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is providing an update on the work completed to date and the ongoing steps being taken to improve drainage, manage stormwater, and prepare for future weather-related challenges.

These challenges aren’t unique to Niagara-on-the-Lake; many communities across Ontario and beyond are facing similar pressures due to changing weather patterns and aging infrastructure. Contributing factors include blocked waterways, compacted soil, altered drainage paths, floodplain areas, overwhelmed storm drains, and improperly directed sump pump discharge, all of which can increase the risk of flooding.

“Caring for our community means preparing for the realities of today while planning for the challenges of tomorrow. These efforts reflect our commitment to protecting residents and adapting to changing weather patterns with thoughtful, ongoing investment. On behalf of Council, I want to assure residents that this is top of mind, and we are actively working with Staff toward solutions,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.

The Town recognizes the very real impact flooding has had on residents and wants to reassure the community that both short-term action and long-term planning are underway. Addressing these challenges remains a top priority for Council and Staff.

“I’m incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our Town Staff to help find ways to mitigate flooding and drainage challenges. There are no quick fixes, but we are listening, responding, and putting systems in place to make Niagara-on-the-Lake more resilient and ready for the future,” said CAO Bruce Zvaniga.

What’s Been Done

Since last year’s storms, the Town has taken several steps to strengthen stormwater and drainage systems, including:

• Maintaining three storm ponds (2 in St. Davids, 1 in Virgil)
• Cleaning the Eastchester Irrigation Channel
• Installing five new weather stations to assist in monitoring local conditions
• Completing a review of the Sandalwood storm pond and catchment area with an engineering consultant
• Beginning municipal drain vegetation management
• Updating operations of the Virgil Reservoirs to better manage water levels during peak runoff periods
• Commissioning an updated drainage report for Four Mile Creek
• Identifying at least three more ponds for future maintenance
• Currently updating the Airport Drainage System and the Harrison Drainage System

What They’re Going to Do

Flooding is not an issue that can be solved overnight; it involves long-term solutions to support stormwater infrastructure sustainability. The Town continues to take steps toward more resilient, future-ready infrastructure through:

• Launch a road ditching program
• A comprehensive subwatershed study with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), focusing on areas like St. Davids and the surrounding terrain
• Advocacy through conferences at the provincial level, such as at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and other partners, for updated provincial design standards
• Applications for external funding to upgrade stormwater systems
• Continued maintenance of ditches, culverts, drains, and storm ponds to keep systems functioning properly

The Town is updating its long-term planning tools and infrastructure strategies to reflect the evolving climate and growing pressures on local systems.

Recommendations for Residents

Residents are encouraged to ensure that drainage systems on their properties are functioning properly and free from obstructions to help minimize the risk of flooding. To help prepare for extreme rainfall events, residents are encouraged to:

• Regularly clear debris from catch basins, gutters, and downspouts.
• Ensure that sump pumps are functioning correctly and discharge water away from properties.
• Maintain proper grading around homes to direct water away from foundations.
• Stay informed about severe weather alerts and have an emergency plan in place.

For more information on how the Town manages flooding and how you can help prepare your property, visit www.notl.com/flooding-prevention and read the Town’s infographic. If you experience flooding or drainage issues, please report them to the Town via the only Service Request Database at https://www.notl.com/request-service-or-file-issue, call the Town at 905-468-3266 ext. 0 or email [email protected].

Image credit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.