The preferred fix for flooding problems in two LaSalle neighbourhoods isn't necessarily the most favoured option by residents.
The town is looking to add a pond to nearby Heritage Park to help store excess water from the Heritage Estates and Oliver Farms subdivisions. The plan would also see some underground storage installed.
Dan and Barbara Nespolon, who live in the neighbourhood, would rather see the more expensive fully underground option approved.
The Town of LaSalle holds an open house to inform residents of a proposed fix to flooding issues in the Heritage Estates and Oliver Farms area of town. Photo taken December 1, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
"Cheaper is not always better," says Barbara Nespolon. "It is more expensive and our taxes would go up, but I think I'd prefer paying more for something like that then always having to worry that some child is going to drown."
The projected cost for the fully underground option is $7.3-million while the preferred option is projected to cost $1.3-million.
In addition to the concerns for the safety of children playing near the pond, the Nespolon's also have issues with geese and mosquitoes enjoying the new water feature.
"All you've got to do is go to Southwood Lakes and see what all the geese did with all the ponds there with all the goose crap everywhere — and the kids are going to play in the park and step in all of that?" says Dan Nespolon. "I think the underground storage is the best one. You don't see anything and it's going to work."
LaSalle's public works director, Peter Marra, says landscaping design can help deal with many of the concerns raised.
The Town of LaSalle holds an open house to inform residents of a proposed fix to flooding issues in the Heritage Estates and Oliver Farms area of town. Photo taken December 1, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
"Long grasses along the banks, deeper pools of water to not allow water to warm up for mosquito breeding," says Marra, adding council may not go for a pricier option. "We have to come up with an economical, feasible solution to recommend to council, so something is constructed in short order. Residents want something in place rather quickly."
The initiative to look into flooding solutions began after two rain events — the first in 2014 and the second in 2015.
The town is accepting input until January 20 of the new year, before a report to council is expected in the spring.