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
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Family of toddler found dead at small-town Ont. daycare no closer to answers after year of investigation
A year has passed since two-year-old Vienna Irwin was found on the property of a home-based daycare in small-town Ontario, but her family says they are no closer to answers of what happened that day.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
Humboldt Broncos crash victims and families react to decision to deport truck driver
The family of one of the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 says they are 'thankful' for a decision by a Calgary immigration board to deport the driver of the truck involved.
Fatal plane crash reported near Squamish, B.C.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed it is working with local Mounties and the BC Coroners Service after a plane crash near Squamish, B.C. Friday night.
'God forgives but we don’t': Loud outburst from stabbing victim’s family during sentencing hearing
An emotional outburst in a London, Ont. courtroom Friday disrupted the sentencing hearing of a woman who pleaded guilty for her part in the death of 29-year-old Mohammed Abdallah.
Three dead after vehicle plunged down a 100-foot embankment in Shediac, N.B.
Three people have died after a vehicle veered off the road in Shediac N.B., Friday morning.
Appeal denied for Edmonton soldier accused of trying to kill her 3 children
An Edmonton woman found guilty of trying to kill her three children has been denied an appeal.