Change the terminology from…

Change the terminology from Programs and services related to the risk of natural hazards to programs and services for the protection and management of natural hazards. The proposed wording in the Act is too vague as to provide guidance as to the intent.

You cannot take the watershed out of the water. Floodplains cannot be managed if we don’t look back up the watershed and engage in review of proposals that may impact the runoff of water. We can watch floodplains get bigger or we can actively engage in their management and perhaps reduction by taking certain measures.

CAs hold large tracts of natural lands and active park facilities. Many of these lands provide flood control, flow augmentation, and contain erosion and flood hazards as well as sensitive and provincially significant ecological areas. These parks are regional destinations like Ontario Parks. Visitations to the parks continue to rise with the increasing population, emphasis on the health benefits of nature and decreasing access to personal greenspace in housing choices. CAs need to be able to invest in facilities and land to allow for more visitors and better experiences.

The following are the minimum elements of a successful program for hazard management:
o Operations, inspections, maintenance or reconstruction of dams, channels, and erosion and ice control structures
o Flood forecasting and warning (hydrometric monitoring, data management, models, communications)
o Drought forecasting and warning (low water response teams)
o Emergency operations with municipalities (data support, communications, media, vulnerability assessments; post event assessments)
o Plan input and review for hazards, storm water management and feature protection (planning, engineering; ecology)
o Regulation (permitting and enforcement)
o Watershed planning to input to hazard management and planning decisions; determine effective mitigation measures including protection and expansion of natural areas and wetlands
o Floodline/Hazard and Risk Mapping (hydraulic and hydrologic modelling; base mapping; air photography, field assessment)
o Watercourse, shoreline and slope erosion control
o Hazard land securement
o Training/ Communications and Education