KAWARTHA LAKES-The last time the drainage was upgraded in Thursonia was in the 1990’s according to the City. Back then the areas was predominantly a seasonal community along the shores of Sturgeon Lake. Residents say, since the 90’s, the demographic has shifted and it is now mostly year round residents and new builds which puts a stain on the aging infrastructure.
Based on complaints about the drainage and flooding from some residents the City has agreed to a drainage study under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment act. The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held at the Dunsford Community Centre on Thursday night. Mike Farquhar, Manager, Technical Services Engineering Department explained the process to residents.
The study area covers approximately 49 hectares encompassing the lands generally between: Gil Mar Road to the west; Thurstonia Road to the east; Sturgeon Lake to the north; and the lands along Pitt’s Cove Road, Birchcliffe Avenue, Silver Birch Street, and Pavillion Road to the south.
The public information meeting along with information gleaned from local residents is the first phase. The process will include a range of background studies to document the existing conditions; engagement with Indigenous Rights Holders, agencies, and community members; development and evaluation of alternative solutions; and selection of a preferred alternative.
The second phase takes all of the information and come up with some proposals for council for endorsement. Phase three is a 30-day process for questions and appeals if any.
The recommendations and preferred alternative will then be presented to City Council for consideration and next steps, which may include proceeding with detail design of the preferred alternative. If endorsed by council the project would go into the long-term financial plan and put into the budget sometime in 2027.
Dillon Consulting has been retained by the City to work on the project.
