Fedeli pleased with government action to improve flood resilience and mitigation efforts
July 18, 2019NORTH BAY – Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is pleased with the Ontario government’s appointment of a Special Advisor on flooding.
“We have listened closely to residents of Mattawa, Nipissing First Nation and elsewhere across the province who were impacted by flooding this spring,” said Fedeli.
“Now our government is putting people first by taking further action to address their concerns,” said Fedeli.
Today John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, announced that Doug McNeil has been named Ontario’s Special Advisor on flooding.
McNeil will advise the province on ways to reduce the impacts of flooding and ensure communities can recover quickly.
McNeil’s extensive government experience includes 36 years in public service with the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba. Positions held include Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Vice President of Engineering and Constructionand Vice-President of Hydraulics with the Manitoba Floodway Authority.
Flooding is a serious problem that is becoming increasingly common as Ontario experiences more frequent extreme weather events. The province held Flooding Engagement Sessions earlier this year in Muskoka, Pembroke, and Ottawa to hear from municipalities and industry leaders on how to better prepare for and respond to floods. The Special Advisor will build on input from those sessions as well as feedback from the public.
The government is also making it easier for property and homeowners to take immediate action when flooding happens. Property owners can apply online for a work permit to repair eroded shorelines and conduct erosion control immediately.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has launched a new Surface Water Monitoring Centre webpage with access to flood early warning messages. This will help property and homeowners prepare for and respond to flood conditions and take action to stay safe and reduce flood damage by responding to early warnings in advance of an emergency.
“It is important for the people of Nipissing and across Ontario to have accurate information about flooding and resources they can access when they need it,” said Fedeli.