The torrential rainfall and flooding of late September was the focal point of discussion at Tecumseh town council Tuesday night.
Members of council provided a comprehensive presentation concerning the rainfall on September 29 that dumped about 200 mm of rain on Tecumseh, east Windsor and Lakeshore, outlining what actually happened, what the town was doing that day, and the results of both.
Tecumseh resident Suanne Hawkins addressed council members, describing how much damage her home suffered from the amount of water and raw sewage, and expressing disappointment in the way she felt the town handled the aftermath.
"It is me who has to deal with the fecal matter running through my basement, not you," said Hawkins. "It's disgusting and a serious health hazard that I had to deal with, and many people in this town had to deal with."
Hawkins wanted council to adopt a full basement protection subsidy, convinced that Tecumseh can do more.
"You could retrofit existing infrastructure. I want to know if the town of Tecumseh will be doing that," said Hawkins.
Tecumseh Public Works Director Daniel Piescic provided council members with a full presentation in response to Hawkins' comments, pointing out that the existing infrastructure was working perfectly that day, but there was just too much rain. The town has placed over $20-million into draining improvements since 2010, but Piescic suggested that no level of improvement could have prevented what happened following such a massive weather event.
Ward 1 councillor Andrew Dowie, whose ward Hawkins' home is in, said he understands not just her anger, but those of others affected by flooding.
"I think everyone in town is frustrated that flooding persists," said Dowie. "The question is, is this because of our sewer design, or is it the weather? I think we'd like to find a magic solution to it."
Piescic also provided tips on how residents can reduce flood risk, such as installing sump pumps and backwater valves, as well as looking for cracks in pipes.
Dowie said a public meeting for residents to learn about the storm response and how people can reduce the risk of flooding is in the works, but no date has been set yet.