Rehabilitating the Belle River

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will begin rehabilitation work on the Belle River to remove blockages that currently impede the river's flow and aggravate flood levels. "We have identified and mapped over 150 spots where debris is currently blocking the flow of the Belle River," reports Tim Byrne, ERCA's Senior Water Manager Technician. "These will be removed in a surgical fashion, meaning that construction will only take place in the directly affected areas in order to restore the natural channel flow."

The work will take place between County Road 42 and County Road 8. ERCA obtained 50% of the funding for this project from the Province of Ontario. The balance is being shared between the Town of Lakeshore and Town of Kingsville.

As well, in partnership with the Town of Lakeshore, an assessment of the flood control projects implemented nearly two decades ago will be undertaken. "Our consulting engineer will be reviewing these previously engineered structures, taking measurements and photographs, and conducting a general inspection to ensure that they are still functioning properly," Byrne says. "No actual repair work will take place until this summer or fall, once the comprehensive report has been received." He goes on to note that no costs will be assessed to property owners as a result of this work.

Landmark Engineering Consultants will be working with ERCA to conduct these surveys. If access to the river is required via private property, field staff will knock on the landowner's door for permission. In the instance that no one is home, a letter will be left at the property.