UTRCA approves multi-zone flood plain plan for west London watershed
There's been a significant breakthrough that could see extensive residential growth along Oxford Street West, east of Wonderland Road in London, Ont.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has cleared the way for a unique, two-zone approach in the flood plain along the Mud Creek watershed, in west London.
The proposal was approved at the UTRCA board meeting on Tuesday morning.
"Traditionally there's only one floodway,” Board Chair Brian Petrie told CTV News London.
He continued, “This approach signifies that there's a larger floodway and there's fringe areas on it that are less at risk to having some development in them. They still have to be reviewed to make sure they're safe but this opens up possibilities for development where, at one time, it may not have been possible."
The city has engineered flood management strategies to reduce risk along the edges of the flood plain.
The unique two-zone flood plain approved by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority on April 16, 2024 will open up an opportunity for thousands of new residential units along Oxford Street West in London, Ont. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
That will open the door for almost 4,000 residential units south of Oxford Street West, just east of Wonderland Road. They would range from townhouses to apartment towers.
The original motion recommended a watershed review every 10 years but an amendment moved by board member Sandy Levin changed the wording to say “at least” every 10 years, allowing for more frequent reviews based on new development proposals or observed impacts caused by the changes.
Anna Hopkins is the councillor for Ward 9 and a member of the UTRCA board, and supports the amendment.
“Corridors change, development changes as we go forward. So, it's keeping an eye, making sure that this two-stage flood plain is safe,” she said.
UTRCA staff said the strategy is also designed to ensure that at risk species are protected and other waterways are not negatively impacted by the changes.
Hopkins said many residents in the area have raised concerns about the clearing of trees and other vegetation in the area.
She said the plan is to restore the greenspace.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority approved a two-zone approach to the Mud Creek flood plain in London, Ont. during a meeting on April 16, 2024. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
“I know it looks very raw sometimes when we take down the trees, but what we’re putting back in that plan, naturalizing that river corridor, will create a natural environment that Londoners want to be part of,” she explained.
A statement from Deputy City Manager, Planning & Economic Development Scott Mathers to CTV News London Tuesday evening reads in part:
"The City of London and UTRCA have been working together to support the first two-zone floodplain in the Mud Creek subwatershed in London, which will include a floodway and flood fringe.
The UTRCA’s approval of the two-zone floodplain and flood fringe concept will support the City’s channel works and allow for 56 hectares of infill development that has been on hold for 15 years.
The city’s investment in the built area and environment will reduce the frequency of flooding of a major arterial road, create [two kilometres] of naturalized channel for public access to nature, and allow for infill development to contribute to the City of London’s 47,000 provincial housing target. This is another example of London’s innovation and council’s commitment to accelerate the housing supply and meet London’s pledge."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.