New Fenelon Falls South Tributary Flood Plain Mapping Study completed for Kawartha Lakes

November 23, 2023 – The City of Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with Kawartha Conservation, is pleased to announce the release of the newly-established Fenelon Falls South Tributary Flood Plain Mapping Study, an invaluable resource for informed planning and development within the Fenelon Falls South region.

Endorsed and approved by the Kawartha Conservation Board of Directors on Thursday, November 23, the updated Fenelon Falls South Tributary Flood Plain Mapping Study is a pivotal milestone within a comprehensive multi-year capital project initiated on behalf of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

"Flood plain mapping is critical in safeguarding both our community and its assets in the face of increased extreme weather events and their related challenges," said Kawartha Lakes Mayor Doug Elmslie. "With the growing frequency of severe weather events, the updated flood plain mapping serves as an invaluable tool for identifying areas of particular concern from a planning and permitting perspective."

The primary objectives of this study encompassed the creation of hydrologic and hydraulic models specific to the Fenelon Falls South Tributary watershed and the production of up-to-date flood plain mapping. The completion of this mapping equips the City of Kawartha Lakes and Kawartha Conservation with the knowledge needed to make well-informed decisions regarding land use and the exploration of future flood hazard reduction possibilities.

"Following a lengthy and comprehensive peer review, we are pleased to be able to provide to the City, and for ourselves, important and comprehensive, up to date flood plain mapping data for Fenelon Falls South Tributary," said Mark Majchrowski, Chief Administrative Officer of Kawartha Conservation.

Incorporating the findings of this study into the planning and permitting process for any forthcoming developments will serve as a safeguard for both the populace and property against flood-related challenges.

"This study streamlines the application and permitting processes, fostering more coordinated efforts and shorter turnaround times, ultimately benefiting the public and prospective businesses in their timely project pursuits,” said Majchrowski.

As part of this multi-year initiative, previous Boards of Directors have also endorsed and approved completed flood plain mapping studies for various areas within the municipality, including Ops #1 Drain/Jennings Creek (2014), Sinister Creek (2015), Omemee East Tributary (2016), Fenelon Falls North Tributary (2017), Burnt River (2019), Dunsford Creek (2019), Bobcaygeon Tributary (2019), Mariposa Brook (2020), and McLarens Creek (2021).

Mayor Elmslie emphasized the essential role played by the completion of these flood plain mapping studies in assisting the City's planning and permitting department.

“Their objective is to ensure that proposed projects align with the best interests and safety of applicants as well as the broader community,” said Mayor Elmslie. “I’m appreciative of the important work Kawartha Conservation has done to create and make accessible these updated studies across multiple areas within our watershed, highlighting their importance.”

To access the Fenelon Falls South Tributary Flood Plain Mapping Study and other related research, please visit our website at https://www.kawarthaconservation.com/Floodplain/.