The response to flooding that took place along the Thames River in Chatham-Kent in February cost the municipality around $60,000.
That's according to a report from CK's Director of Drainage, Asset and Waste Management Tim Dick, which adds that figure includes the "expenditures to date."
The document, which is set to go before council Monday night, details the municipality's response to the flooding, which took place after an ice jam formed on the river between the Prairie Siding Bridge and the mouth of the river at Lighthouse Cove from February 7-10, 2019.
The report praises the teamwork and support exhibited by municipal staff, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and contractors who were called in as "exceptional." It also credits the drainage, engineering, public works, and LTVCA for their "quick and appropriate solutions in the field that minimized losses and costs to the municipality."
There is some room for improvement, though.
The report outlines three specific suggestions for that -- structural improvements to the dikes, possible traffic control in future flooding events, and better communication among responders.
Regarding the structural improvements, the report says "support from the DMAF is very timely." That support, which was recently announced at a news conference in Chatham, includes a commitment from the federal government to help protect homes and businesses from future flooding. Over the next several months, Chatham-Kent administration is expected to prioritize a list of projects that would qualify for that funding.
When it comes to traffic control in future flooding emergencies, the suggestion in the report says "despite repeated warnings, many members of the public visited the site on a regular basis to observe the high water levels." It goes on to suggest that putting up signs that closing off the affected areas to "local traffic only" should be strongly considered.
The report is only for information purposes and does not provide any specific direction that would require a vote from council members.