Chippewa Creek flood mitigation project ready to roll

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) today announced the commencement of the first phase of the Chippewa Creek Flood Mitigation project.

The project is being coordinated with the City of North Bay and was approved following a Class Environmental Assessment and an extensive technical study. The study indicated that a reduction in the 100-year storm floodplain could be achieved by changes to the John Street Bridge and widening and deepening the channel of Chippewa Creek between John Street and Hammond Street.

"These changes will increase the ability of Chippewa Creek to accommodate higher water levels during storms and spring runoff," explains Brian Tayler, General Manager of the NBMCA. "Approximately 30 houses and several businesses will no longer fall within the 100 year floodplain zone. Moreover, access along the Kinsmen Trail will be dramatically improved by the removal of the culvert while increased landscaping will further enhance the appeal and beauty of the trail."

The first phase of the project will involve the removal of the CN rail line culvert and realignment of the creek and the Kinsmen Trail. Phase two of the project will include deepening the channel of Chippewa Creek and landscaping alongside the creek and pedestrian pathway.

The tender for the first phase of the project was awarded to Bruman Leasing Limited of North Bay. Construction is to begin on September 22, 2008 and the first phase of the project is expected to be completed within six weeks. The Kinsmen Trail will remain open and visitors will be rerouted around the construction site.

Costs related to the project will be equally shared between the NBMCA and the City of North Bay. The NBMCA is contributing $425,000 to the project through the Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Fund. The fund is made available to conservation authorities across the province by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA's 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to ensure the environmental health of the region's watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.

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