Issues of flooding and erosion were front and centre for CK officials at last week’s Ontario Good Roads Association conference.
Chris Thibert, Director of Engineering, says the virtual meeting gave the municipality the chance to raise some important local issues.
“One specifically was a presentation that was made from Thomas Kelly, our General Manager, to Stephen Crawford, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure,” Thibert says. “We raised once again our Great Lakes erosion challenges that we’re having with the completion of the shoreline study. As well as the closure of Highway 3, or Talbot Trail, and the challenges that we’re going to have as a result of that going forward.”
A number of local officials took part in the virtual conference, including representatives from administration and council as well as engineering and public works staff.
While there was no immediate feedback from provincial officials, Thibert says the municipality is glad for any opportunity to raise local issues and press their case for upper level funding.
Infrastructure issues caused by flooding and erosion are becoming more common in shoreline communities right across the province.
“Getting it out there and making sure that we are bringing forward our concerns locally is adding, ultimately, to the equation, and we’re hopeful that we’re going to start seeing some programs and funding initiatives coming through soon.”
Thibert says with the shoreline study complete and municipal-class environmental assessments wrapping up this year for projects like Rose Beach Line and Talbot Trail means CK is well-positioned to apply for future funding, when those opportunities arise.
