WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — The Ottawa River Water Levels and Spring 2019 Public Meeting was held June 23 in the Westmeath Arena. More than 300 interested and concerned residents were there to hear a panel consisting of John Yakabuski, Ottawa River Regulation, Ontario Power Generation, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing representatives. Mayor Mike Moore of Whitewater Region was the moderator.
The panel’s Power Point presentations were first but their information and data was of what happened in the past up to present time.
The main speakers were Manon Lalonde, Executive Engineer and Michael Sarich, Senior Water Resources Engineer, both the Ottawa River Regulation, Shaun Hinds, VP Eastern Operations Don Ferko, Technical Officer, both from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG).
They had explanations for water reservoirs, higher risks this spring because of packed snow up north and tributaries themselves at record levels. Mr. Hinds stressed the importance of communications and relationships.
At the question period following, It was evident that those present wanted more than the basics given in regards to the flooding, especially what the future might have in store for them.
That was addressed by Eric D’Aoust when he asked what measures for solutions in the future would be taken? He had suggestions too, for a deeper river bed infrastructure, better monitoring of the Ottawa River and even community involvement to assist with better explanations.
Michael Sarich of the Ottawa River Regulation agreed that interfacing with the community would help but also remarked that public interest was hard to maintain.
Phil Cottrell told the panel that he was not happy with some of their answers. “Somebody has got to do something.” Mr. Yakabuski said professionals are needed but that won’t solve all the outcomes of today.
Linda Crosby summed it up when she asked, “Did you know it (flood) was going to happen?” She then said there wasn’t a word about what was going to happen before it did!
The meeting lasted a little over two hours. There were a few raised voices. Mr. Yakabuski held his own. As the local Member of Parliament, he was very empathetic with residents affected by the flood but as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry he had to consider the big picture. He said that any major changes down the road would require agreement with three governments; Ontario, Quebec and the Feds – not an easy task.
Overall the meeting was an opportunity to vent and express to those in charge just how frustrated they were the flood victims were. After it was all done and said there was some expression of relief.
