Development delays blamed on update to UTRCA floodplain maps that’s years behind schedule
Simmering tensions between the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and planning officials at city hall are now out in the open.
On Tuesday, council’s Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) requested quarterly updates and a final presentation about an upcoming Service Level Review of the UTRCA’s Environmental Planning and Regulations Department, plus a Value-for-Money audit of the conservation authority’s long-delayed update to floodplain maps.
“Mapping needs to be current, needs to be up-to-date, and needs to be available,” Mike Wallace of the London Development Institute told the committee.
The maps are critical to planning municipal infrastructure and designing developments on properties along the Thames River and other local waterways.
“This process started in 2016,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. “We are in 2024 and we still don’t have publicly available floodplain mapping.”
Floodplain maps consider a number of predictive factors in order to determine how close to the riverbank development can be permitted.
The update is expected to consider the greater frequency and severity of floods due to climate change.
The deputy mayor suggested the UTRCA follow the lead of other Conservation Authorities by hiring an outside consultant to expedite updates to the maps.
Lewis expressed concern that further delay will stand in the way of London meeting its housing target of 47,000 new homes by 2031.
“Floodplain maps need to be updated and publicly available— yesterday,” he urged.
“The city has struggled a bit because we know that there’s mapping available for the Thames River, but we have not been able to see that yet,” admitted Shawna Chambers, Division Manager of Stormwater Engineering.
The staff report to PEC states, “Up-to-date floodplain mapping that reflects the impacts of climate change for the Upper Thames River watershed is not publicly available. In several cases, UTRCA has relied on draft floodplain mapping when providing comments. This mapping is not publicly available or endorsed by their board.”
Chambers added that the city has had to hire consultants to complete floodplain mapping of significant projects including around Mud Creek.
The UTRCA has agreed to complete a service review of its department that is responsible for reviewing building permits, development applications and Section 28 permits to streamline the process and enable more timely development approvals while protecting the natural environment.
However, representatives of the conservation authority who attended the PEC meeting said the city expanded the scope of the service review beyond its initial parameters without notifying them.
“The UTRCA was not in collaboration with, or consulted [about] the proposed change in scope the RFP has had, or had the opportunity to discuss it with city staff,” explained UTRCA Chair Brian Petrie.
City staff were blunt about communication problems going both ways.
“We’ve been on a very need-to-know basis on a lot of items, and you know, I’m just kind of being honest about that,” Chambers said. “So we hope that this initiative and working for together will be positive through the Service Level Review.”
The Service Level Review and Value-for-Money Audit are estimated to cost $100,000 and be completed in Q3 of 2025.
The staff report to PEC commits, “One of the objectives of this review is to establish a culture of continuous improvement within UTRCA.”
“I think you heard today some of that frustration come out from councillors, from staff, [and] from the development community.” admitted Coun. Steven Lehman after the meeting. “I’ve been hearing about this since I got on council two terms ago.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.