Minutes of the Bonnechere System High Water Emergency Communications Meeting

Thursday, January 7, 2010, Sands on Golden Lake

Present:

Janice Visneskie (KHR), Cairine Cybulski (BV), Harold Weckworth (NAW), Peter Boldt (RPG), Jeff Featherston (RPG), Tom Giesler (MNR), Joanna Samson (MNR), Wendy Engel (RLPOA), Don Pouliot (RLPOA), Kevin O’Connor (GLPOA), Gail McPhee (GLPOA), Jeff Raisbeck (GLPOA), Terry Fluery EL, John Gulland (GLPOA)

1. Welcome/introduction/overview -- Kevin O’Connor

Kevin opened the meeting at 1:35 pm by welcoming everyone, especially those who are attending their first meeting of the group. He reviewed progress to date and the plans for the future meetings before and after the spring freshet.

Kevin then reviewed the agenda and made reference to the questionnaire that was distributed in early December. The draft summary of questionnaire responses was handed out and would be discussed during this meeting.

2. Identification of vulnerable properties/shorelines -- Peter Boldt

Peter Boldt commended GLPOA for bringing these stakeholders together to improve communications.

Peter then indicated the areas on Round Lake that are vulnerable to flooding. There are three main problem areas: along the west shore at Eno Bay/Sherwood River, along the north section of Red Rock Road at St Patrick’s Bay, and a few low properties near the south east corner of the lake.

On the river between the lakes there is one vulnerable area just below the narrows at the end of Bonnechere River Lane.

On Golden Lake, there are potential problems at the river at Deacon Bridge, Black Point Road and L’Escale Lane. There are also vulnerable areas at Kasdorff’s Cottages and Mundts Bay, either with flooding or ice push. Some cottages on Island View Drive are built right on the water and are therefore vulnerable.

Action: Tom Giesler agreed to send John Gulland some low-resolution maps of the two lakes and river so that problem areas can be marked on them and posted on web sites.

Note: Tom did send some excellent maps. John will mark the vulnerable areas and post them on the GLPOA web site.

3. Discussion and confirmation of vulnerable properties -- all

Don Pouliot indicated that he has a list of 50 or 60 people who have had problems, essentially in the areas mentioned by Peter. He showed a map of the lake showing areas vulnerable to flooding, erosion and ice push.

There was a general discussion of flood plain mapping, although none are available for this part of the Bonnechere, according to Tom Geisler and Joanna Samson. Peter mentioned that the amendment provides some flexibility in managing levels now that the ‘trout box’ limitation is removed.

The meetings of this group in the spring can help provide feedback to the Standing Advisory Committee and may result in further changes to the management plan. It was clarified, however, that this group has been brought together to deal with communications issues, not the management plan.

Peter noted that we had a mild fall so there is almost no frost in the ground and at the shoreline, so very little bonding took place before snow coverage insulated the soil from freezing. He will now be drawing down Round Lake to prepare for the freshet.

4. Review of and revisions to the Questionnaire Summary

Kevin lead a review of the questionnaire summary. The results are shown in the version distributed with these minutes.

There was a discussion of coordination of emergency actions, such as putting ads in local papers and so on. It was agreed that at the March meeting such decisions should be made in concert. Harold Weckworth mentioned that getting sand in March is not too easy considering the rules around aggregate and there was agreement that this could be a challenge.

Peter said there is also a need to provide handouts on how to sandbag. It is not just bags, it includes plastic to wrap the row of bags to prevent water from flowing through. Bags rot if you leave the sand in them and just stash them somewhere. Tom has a hand out of that kind and will make it available.

Action: Tom Geisler will send John Gulland a copy of a handout on sandbagging.

Note: Tom did send the handout. John will rework it for use by GLPOA and will circulate the result to all stakeholders.

5. Plans for future meetings in March and (provisionally) in May -- Peter Boldt and Jeff Featherston, all

Peter said that the next meeting will probably be in the second or third week of March. It was agreed that Thursday, March 11 at 1:30pm at the Sands would be a good tentative plan. Both the main contact and alternates for each stakeholder should attend. RPG will convene, host and provide secretarial services for the meeting.

Don asked about a process plan for communications. It was suggested that it is up to the municipalities to do their own plans.

6. Summary and conclusions -- Kevin O’Connor

Kevin thanked everyone for their attendance, participation and cooperation in meeting the communications objectives.

Kevin adjourned the meeting at 3:35 pm