To: OMFRA, Minister Ernie…

To: OMFRA, Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister Jeff Yurek
I am looking forward to positive dialogue and changes to the drainage act as well as a more streamlined approach for local engineers to get necessary work done efficiently while improving the integrity of the drainage systems and the surrounding environment, which would include local drain commissioners.
1. The large number of drains in our region are individually complicated especially in the rural suburban divide. The urban rate charged for maintenance and upgrades on a value benefit analysis is very small as rates are charged on a per acre basis. This seems
very unfair. All maintenance projects would be considered small, however should fit clear environmental guidelines, set out ahead.
As urban sprawl occurs changes are being made to drains and their integrity by home owners, and the municipality, which sometimes are not discovered until some time later. These changes when they compliment or improve the drain are welcomed, however sometimes, property owners, or the municipality, alter or remove dirt from bottom or sides of the drain, build crossings and compromise the integrity of the drain. Costly upgrades are then required. Local politicians do not have the backbone to confront their voters with the actual cost of this compromise . As part of the update to the drainage act, a further maintenance or regulation change in the drain should not be delayed or costing changes altered by these undocumented changes to the drain, instead full charges should go to the existing property owner, and or municipality. This should be clarified and transparent in the regulations, as well as the costing.
2. A one stop permit shop, where all permits and clearances by the government agencies can be easily followed, met and obtained. Clear and concise, permit requirements and descriptions would be a huge asset.
Large Drains which covers a number of farmers as well as a number of urban homes Will welcome a wholesome change to make the work required as inexpensive as possible.

3. The 2019 year for all drains which had significant dyke frontage along lakes and rivers proved to be very difficult.
These drains required emergency work to keep flooding from endangering the local farm land and a large number of urban family homes. If the commissioner, along with that particular drain’s advisory committee deems repairs on an emergency basis should be done immediately. An emergencies measure should be put in place. A 4 inch“ dyke leak with 20 foot head of water once compromised is not stoppable, and must be repaired along with surrounding dyke within hours. If not there will be years of repairs to get homes and land back to normal. Only the local land owners, and local people understand the complexity of these dykes and drains as the the underlying grounds and dyke structure changes every 50’ or so.
4. All major changes or builds to improve or alter drainage in the municipality should be fully transparent as to the engineering and costing allocation for the engineers report and only include 1 full paid for engineers report (no second engineers, or consultants) in the final costing. This also should transparently include contractors quotes in particularly when drains cross from one municipality to another, as I have personally seen big cost differences in municipalities with the
same contractor bid.
In summary if all strategically interested members worked collaboratively, the drainage systems could be done with less cost enhancing the drains, the environment, and the public interest. The Provincial Government should stay involved with the drain costing, however should up it to 50% and over see all engineering as the long term effects and costing are largely in the provinces control.