The County of Essex in partnership with the Essex Region Conservation Authority have commissioned Zuzek Inc. and SJL Engineering Inc. to prepare updates to the shoreline natural hazard data and mapping. For context, the Essex Region’s coastal mapping, which is used for regulating development through the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act, was last completed in 1976. This information needs to be updated to support long-range planning decisions and individual property specific matters for the roughly 200-plus kilometres of shoreline in our region.
Updated Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping can Reduce Damages and Losses
Updating the mapping will provide an improved tool that can help reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion. Shoreline mapping is used to:
- Plan safe development outside of the hazard.
- Regulate safe development within the hazard.
- Educate emergency responders for flooding and erosion events.
In accordance with the Provincial Policy, this updated mapping will account for “the impacts of a changing climate that may increase the risk associated with natural hazards” and will also be revised to conform to anticipated technical guidance being reviewed by the Province.
The revised shoreline hazard mapping will be approved by the Essex Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors and be utilized in the County and local Official Plans.
Essex County Council received a report about this project and approved the awarding of the contract for mapping services on April 19, 2023 .
Essex County Council received an update about the project at its Nov. 15, 2023, meeting.
Explore the Draft Shoreline Natural Hazard Mapping
The mapping area:
Public Open Houses
Five open houses were held Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, 2023, to present draft flood and erosion hazard mapping to the public and provide details regarding the initiative. The open houses were held in Belle River, Harrow, Leamington, Essex and LaSalle.
Information posters shared are available on the Zuzek Inc. website.
As well, this video presentation was given at the open houses:
Contacts
For additional information, please contact:
Rebecca Belanger, MCIP, RPP
Manager, Planning Services
County of Essex
rbelanger@countyofessex.ca
519-776-6441 ext. 1325
James Bryant, P.Eng.
Director of Watershed Management Services
jbryant@erca.org
519-776-5209 ext. 246
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