Barrie unveils Kidd's Creek redesign aimed at drastically reducing flooding
The City of Barrie celebrated the recent completion of the Kidd's Creek Culvert Replacement project, which has been in the works since 2013.
"It may not look like much, but it's hugely important," said Mayor Jeff Lehman at the unveiling Thursday.
Lehman said the creek would help drastically reduce flooding in Barrie.
"We're even seeing heavy rain in the winter when the ground is frozen, which pushes more water into creeks like this into a faster period of time, and that creates more flooding. So it's to protect people and their property," the mayor said.
The open channel creek will also increase fish habitat and improve water quality in Lake Simcoe.
"By doing it in this way, we create a natural filter that removes pollution from Lake Simcoe before it gets there," added Lehman.
The Barrie mayor believes it's a step towards fighting climate change and will positively impact future generations.
The City partnered with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority on the project.
"They were really excited to take an opportunity and get rid of the pipe, and open up and have a natural channel which has a whole host of benefits, so obviously we were really excited about that kind of collaboration," said Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority director of engineering Kenneth Cheney.
The City received $3.5 million in federal funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Program.
The project is designed to withstand a once-in-100-year storm event.
"Our residents will remember the storm in 2005 that flooded this area and really got the ball rolling on what can we do here to improve this situation," said City of Barrie engineering project manager Nathanael Couperus.
The City said it is actively working on multiple projects to lessen the risk of flooding, including watershed improvement and storm water work.
Complete information on the Kidd's Creek project and a list of other City of Barrie projects are available on the City's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.