Flooding in Erieau. April 16, 2018. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent). Flooding in Erieau. April 16, 2018. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Chatham

Additional funding added to budget for flood prevention

The first night of budget deliberations in Chatham-Kent got off to a running start by tackling a big issue in the municipality -- flooding.

On Wednesday night, members of council agreed to invest more into local storm sewers after Councillor Melissa Harrigan put forward a motion to have a base budget increase of $550,000 per year over the next four years go towards storm sewer infrastructure. After over an hour of debate, Harrigan's motion passed 10-7.

Harrigan admitted nerves were causing her hands to shake before requesting such a large amount on the first night, but she knew it was necessary for residents of the municipality.

"I think budget time is a time to set priorities and to really monetize the priorities we campaigned on," said Harrigan.

According to Harrigan, she's heard from residents in her ward of West-Kent that flooding is one of their main concerns. During the budget community open house in Tilbury, many residents used the opportunity to voice their frustration over constant flooding.

Previously, only seven per cent of the of the infrastructure lifestyle budget was allocated to underground infrastructure. Harrigan argued that amount is simply not enough to help solve the flooding problems.

"I'm glad that it happened," said Harrigan. "I think most people around the council table would agree that seven per cent in underground infrastructure is just not enough to meet the needs that we have. It's a big problem, we need to tackle it now."

Although all councillors agreed that storm sewers in the municipality are in need of improvement, many wondered what impact such a large amount of money would have on the 2019 budget, and what items will have to be taken out to make up for it.

"I don't think there's any councillor in this horseshoe right now that doesn't want to address the underfunding of underground infrastructure," said Councillor Mary Clare Latimer. "But, I think we're all worried about where we're going to find that money in this particular budget. Nobody wants to put taxes up more than we actually have to."

Harrigan said it's up to council now to look at other things being asked for this budget and decided if they're in line with the municipalities' priorities. She added that through her time talking to residents, many said they are fine with a slight tax increase if it goes towards something that improves their community.

"The feedback I've gotten from residents is, if you're going to increase my taxes, increase our taxes in a meaningful way that invests and help to solve some of our problems," Harrigan said.

Now that storm sewers are slated to receive some extra dollars, Harrigan is hopeful that the municipality will look at both the grand scheme of solving drainage issues, as well as using the funds to invest in "fix it now" solutions for things like storm pumps when unexpected flooding hits.

The second night of budget deliberations will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Civic Centre in Chatham.

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