IJC seeks citizen input on high water impacts

The International Joint Commission (IJC) through the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee is now calling on residents impacted by flooding events in 2019 to express their concerns by sharing comments and photos through the organization’s online survey.

“It is really important for residents who experienced Lake Ontario or Bay of Quinte flooding this year to have their concerns heard,” said Christine McClure, Quinte Conservation’s Water Resources Manager.

A similar study was conducted after the flood events in 2017 where, McClure notes the IJC received comments from just 299 Ontario residents.

“The data collected from this year’s survey will allow the commission to evaluate and improve their scientific and engineering models that were developed to help estimate potential damages, and impacts to plan modifications that may be experienced under a range of Great Lakes water level conditions.”

Residents can fill the survey out here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YXZ8822

High water levels on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte has impacted many shoreline residents this year with properties experiencing erosion and damages from high water and wave action.

There are a number of things individuals can do to protect their shorelines. Some of the measures include plantings to hold the soil, placement of rock to prevent further erosion, and sloping the shoreline to a stable slope to allow for wave and ice movement.

“Typically vertical walls are not recommended along shorelines as they often fail, can increase erosion damage on neighbouring properties, and provide very little ecological benefit,” said Sharlene Richardson, Regulations Officer. “Shoreline residents should be aware that erosion is a natural process but there are many ways to reduce the damage while still retaining a natural shoreline.”

Shoreline property owners are reminded that all work along the shoreline will require a permit from Quinte Conservation.

Quinte Conservation is downgrading the flood status to a Flood Outlook statement as Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte water levels continue to decline with outflows occurring from Lake Ontario.

In September, the outflows from Lake Ontario were at a record high. The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board is continuing high Lake Ontario outflows to reduce Lake Ontario water levels. The board is actively looking for opportunities to reduce Lake Ontario water levels from now until next spring.