Sally Smith
editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, general manager of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), briefly presented Perth Committee of the Whole on May 9 with a 2017 update and highlights of 2016.

Given what’s happening throughout the rest of Ontario and Quebec at the moment, Casgrain-Robertson commented that last year was a “quiet flood year with only 10 reports” but in fact there were “13 drought messages.”

Casgrain-Robertson noted that flooding along the Rideau is “not out of the ordinary” and that this year it reached a one in 10 year mark.

She said the RVCA will continue to learn about and understand the conditions of the watershed and “address any emerging issues.” She added the organization’s mandate is to protect, restore and enhance the watershed.

Mayor Fenik asked about sandbags and if the RVCA has a stockpile. The Town of Perth has 15,000, “only enough to protect our assets.” Casgrain-Robertson answered with a definite no.

Councillor Jim Graff mentioned a clean-up of Last Duel Park. At that, Casgrain-Robertson said whenever they hear the word ‘clean-up’ their ears perk up. A good strategy, she suggested, is to invite an RVCA staff member along for a “pre-consultation. They can explain the dos and the don’ts.”

 

CUTLINE

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Sommer Casgrain-Robertson spoke about flooding, sandbags and pre-consultation for clean-ups at the May 9 Committee of the Whole meeting in Perth