UTRCA approves multi-zone flood plain plan for west London watershed

Clearing of trees has taken place on the Mud Creek watershed in London, Ont. to allow for flood control measures. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)

There's been a significant breakthrough that could see extensive residential growth along Oxford Street West, east of Wonderland Road in London, Ont.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has cleared the way for a unique, two-zone approach in the flood plain along the Mud Creek watershed, in west London.

The proposal was approved at the UTRCA board meeting on Tuesday morning.

"Traditionally there's only one floodway,” Board Chair Brian Petrie told CTV News London.

He continued, “This approach signifies that there's a larger floodway and there's fringe areas on it that are less at risk to having some development in them. They still have to be reviewed to make sure they're safe but this opens up possibilities for development where, at one time, it may not have been possible."

The city has engineered flood management strategies to reduce risk along the edges of the flood plain.

That will open the door for almost 4,000 residential units south of Oxford Street West, just east of Wonderland Road. They would range from townhouses to apartment towers.

The original motion recommended a watershed review every 10 years but an amendment moved by board member Sandy Levin changed the wording to say “at least” every 10 years, allowing for more frequent reviews based on new development proposals or observed impacts caused by the changes.

Anna Hopkins is the councillor for Ward 9 and a member of the UTRCA board, and supports the amendment.

“Corridors change, development changes as we go forward. So, it's keeping an eye, making sure that this two-stage flood plain is safe,” she said.

UTRCA staff said the strategy is also designed to ensure that at risk species are protected and other waterways are not negatively impacted by the changes.

Hopkins said many residents in the area have raised concerns about the clearing of trees and other vegetation in the area.

She said the plan is to restore the greenspace.

“I know it looks very raw sometimes when we take down the trees, but what we’re putting back in that plan, naturalizing that river corridor, will create a natural environment that Londoners want to be part of,” she explained.

A statement from Deputy City Manager, Planning & Economic Development Scott Mathers to CTV News London Tuesday evening reads in part:

"The City of London and UTRCA have been working together to support the first two-zone floodplain in the Mud Creek subwatershed in London, which will include a floodway and flood fringe.

The UTRCA’s approval of the two-zone floodplain and flood fringe concept will support the City’s channel works and allow for 56 hectares of infill development that has been on hold for 15 years.

The city’s investment in the built area and environment will reduce the frequency of flooding of a major arterial road, create [two kilometres] of naturalized channel for public access to nature, and allow for infill development to contribute to the City of London’s 47,000 provincial housing target. This is another example of London’s innovation and council’s commitment to accelerate the housing supply and meet London’s pledge."