Another Flood Recovery Update Meeting was held on Wednesday in the Grand Forks Senior Secondary Auditorium. Some highlights included flood prevention options such as full diking protection, returning areas to the natural flood plain, and raising properties above the 200-year flood level. A canal along the Grand Forks Airport was also suggested as well as dredging the river. It was explained that the latter wouldn’t work as the energy of the water is too high.
Recovery Manager Steve Newton explains some complications to consider when planning flood prevention.
Newton adds the flood recovery team is exploring funding opportunities and is working to ensure residents have housing for the winter.
He also had a message from Manager of Operations David Reid with the City of Grand Forks about some work residents might see happening.
Public outreach would happen regarding any flood prevention options.
City Councillor and Acting Mayor Christine Thompson says they’re working on the Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaws with the Chief Financial Officer that would apply to improvements for flood-damaged properties.
She also had an update on the now completed hydrology report.
Public outreach regarding the report will soon take place and a debris assessment and contamination report is soon expected by the Kettle River Watershed Authority.
The meeting also had an increased representation from the province and various ministries.
