County to host flood preparation open house

People affected by flooding in 2019, or looking to prepare for future flood events are invited to attend an information session hosted by the municipality.

Join Mayor Steve Ferguson and United Shoreline Ontario for an information session in Wellington Wednesday, Feb. 19.

“With the strong possibility that we will see higher than normal water levels on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte again this spring, we want to be proactive in helping residents and businesses get ready for flooding on their properties,” Mayor Ferguson said. “Sarah Delicate from United Shoreline Ontario will be in attendance. She is a dynamic, passionate, and informative speaker who will share a wealth of information and expertise.”

United Shoreline Ontario engages governments and private homeowners for the protection of lakeshore homes and businesses. The group also seeks to unite the residents and municipalities of the north shore of Lake Ontario in one voice in lobbying for changes to Plan 2014, which regulates water levels and flows on Lake Ontario, and improvements to the emergency flood response from the provincial and federal governments.

The event will take place from 6-9 pm inside the Highline Hall at the Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville Street), with Ms. Delicate speaking at 7 pm.

During the open house portion of the event, attendees can learn more about the community resources that they can access in order to protect their property in the event of flooding.

County staff will also be in attendance to field questions about the municipal response to flooding. Attendees can share their feedback and stories about the flooding in 2017 and 2019.

“We want to hear from people. I anticipate that there will be lessons we can learn that will help the municipality better prepare in 2020,” Mayor Ferguson says.

Learn more about United Shoreline Ontario on its website (www.unitedshorelineontario.ca).