New floodplain mapping study for the Byersville Creek sub-watershed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Otonabee Conservation releases new floodplain mapping study for the Byersville Creek sub-watershed

Peterborough, ON (January 13, 2025) Otonabee Conservation is inviting the public to review and provide feedback on the draft of its Floodplain Mapping study for the Byersville Creek area. Byersville Creek, located in the City of Peterborough’s south and west ends, (between Monaghan Road and Brealey Drive) is part of ongoing work that aims to identify areas within the Otonabee watershed that are susceptible to flooding during major weather events.

A Virtual Floodplain Mapping Public Information Centre (PIC) for the new Byersville Creek map will be available from January 13 – February 26, 2025 to encourage questions and feedback from residents and property owners. To participate in the PIC:

1. View Otonabee Conservation’s Floodplain Mapping Story Map
2. Search by address using the Byersville Creek Map Interface
3. Review Frequently Asked Questions
4. Submit any further questions or comments to Otonabee Conservation using the map interface

Residents are invited to join Otonabee Conservation staff for a virtual Open House scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. Participates will be able to hear more about the new floodplain mapping and regulatory changes. Please visit Otonabee Conservation’s website for the Zoom Registration link.

Updates to floodplain mapping can result in:

• a better understanding of flood risk to people and property to assist the community with emergency preparedness.
• a reduction in effort, cost and time for development application review compared to those in flood prone areas without accurate mapping.
• a reduction in studies required by a proponent to undertake in advance of development.
• increased accuracy of floodplain for different flood events which can be used to identify flood prone properties and municipal infrastructure for notification, inspection and/or evacuation during a flood.
• improved land use planning.

“Understanding flooding is critical in identifying areas that may be at risk during severe storms and to protect both property and human life,” explains Don Allin, Manager of Plan Review and Permitting Services at Otonabee Conservation. “By integrating these maps with land use planning as well as community emergency response & preparedness, we can better guide future development away from flood-prone areas, and hopefully reduce risks for everyone during times of flooding.”

Visit otonabeeconservation.com for more information about the new Byersville Creek floodplain mapping.

For more information contact:

Janette Loveys Smith | CAO / Secretary-Treasurer
Otonabee Conservation
jsmith@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 Ext. 222