Extreme weather makes the news frequently. Locally, South Nation Conservation (SNC) is committed to reducing risk to life and damage to property by providing municipalities and residents with advance notice of potential flooding.

Flood forecasting responds to weather events experienced in a watershed and compares them over time. Flood forecasting and warning is also an important response to intense precipitation events.

In addition to flood forecasting, SNC is currently updating and improving floodplain and slope-stability maps for the City of Ottawa contained within SNC jurisdiction.

This year’s focus has included the areas of Devine Creek from the Forced Road and Rockdale Road intersection to the Russland Road and Rockdale intersection; Marshall Seguin Creek from the intersection of Devine Road and Rockdale Road to Rockdale Road at Highway 417; and Nelson Charlebois Creek from the Trim Road and Giroux Street intersection to the Prescott and Russell Trail on Frank Kenny Road.

SNC invites local residents to attend a public open house to view and comment on new natural hazard maps for their area within the City of Ottawa. The open house will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at École élémentaire catholique Saint-Guillaume in Vars, ON.

“We are particularly interested in historical information that residents may be able to provide for these watercourses,” said Sandra Mancini, SNC’s Team Lead, Engineering. Mancini invites residents to bring along photos, news clippings, and anecdotal stories to compare to natural hazard maps.

Mapping will be used by the City and SNC when updating official plans and zoning schedules, and in reviewing other Planning Act applications. “The ultimate goal of the mapping is to help ensure safe development,” added Mancini. “It’s all about keeping people and property safe.”

SNC staff will be on-hand at the public house to respond to any questions from property owners and residents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sandra Mancini, Team Lead, Engineering, 1-877-984-2948 ext. 223, [email protected].