Tony Peralta, P. Eng. and K. Vegh, Drainage Superintendent.
Engineer Peralta presented the Engineer's Report, dated April 28, 2017, prepared under Section 78 of the Drainage Act to provide for general improvements to the McDonald Drain, along with the replacement and improvements to existing access bridges and road crossing culverts within the McDonald Drain. The request to provide an engineer's report to address the repair and improvements to the McDonald Drain was submitted by Triple K. Farms (390-01200).
Comments from Council:
Councillor Gaffan asked whether these improvements are a 'bandaid' solution.
Engineer Peralta indicated the proposed improvements will help carry the water downstream further and will give the McDonald Drain more life. With good maintenance provisions and good upkeep he stated the improvements will last a long time.
Drainage Superintendent Vegh explained that this project started as a result of Mr. Keller from Triple K. Farms having issues with his farmland draining. Drain maintenance was performed on Mr. Keller's section of land and through that, the Town found it helped the situation and solved his problem temporarily. As a result, Mr. Keller initiated the request to provide an engineer's report. The Town will perform maintenance on Mr. Keller's section of the drain every 5 years. The centre channel will keep the water focused to the centre. As a result, as the waters rise in a storm event there should not be any major erosion. Engineer Peralta further clarified that in efforts to increase conveyance and blockages caused by sedimentation within the McDonald Drain, the Report recommends that the drain be cleaned out by means of a centre channel within the bottom of the drain and prohibit any excavation of the existing drain banks. The centre channel will assist in maximizing conveyance of base flows and increase velocities to improve self-cleaning of debris and sedimentation.
Councillor Patterson asked whether the noxious weed known as phragmites is an issue at this drain. Engineer Peralta confirmed that there are none.
Questions from the audience:
Rita Coste, 2503 County Road 31 (340-10100) indicated she agrees with the Engineer's Report, and asked that the Town ensure that it maintains the drain after the works are completed. She stated that the drain always flows; that it doesn't matter what the depth of the water is, 2 feet or 2 inches, that the water always flows.
Tom Keller of Triple K. Farms commented that he is satisfied with the Report as presented by Mr. Peralta. There were no other questions or comments from anyone in attendance in the audience.