Ontario now has a special advisor on flooding.
Doug McNeil will advise the province on ways to reduce the impacts of flooding and ensure communities can recover quickly, according to a government news release.
"We heard from people across the province and saw first-hand the damage caused by flooding in so many communities," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "The Special Advisor will help better prepare our province for flooding in the future."
Flooding caused major damage locally, especially in the Mattawa and Jocko Point. The North Bay shoreline also suffered from erosion.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is pleased with the Ontario government's appointment of a Special Advisor on flooding. "We have listened closely to residents of Mattawa, Nipissing First Nation and elsewhere across the province who were impacted by flooding this spring," he said.
The Special Advisor will assess current roles and responsibilities of governments, agencies, and organizations involved in flood management, including any opportunities for improvement; review feedback received; identify focused recommendations, and ensure all recommendations are consistent with the province's ability to implement them.
"Flooding is a serious problem that is becoming increasingly common as Ontario experiences more frequent extreme weather events ," says the release. "The province held Flooding Engagement Sessions earlier this year in Muskoka, Pembroke, and Ottawa to hear from municipalities and industry leaders on how to better prepare for and respond to floods. The Special Advisor will build on input from those sessions as well as feedback from the public.
The government is also making it easier for property and homeowners to take immediate action when flooding happens. Property owners can apply online for a work permit to repair eroded shorelines and conduct erosion control immediately.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has launched a new Surface Water Monitoring Centre webpage with access to flood early warning messages. "This will help property and homeowners prepare for and respond to flood conditions and take action to stay safe and reduce flood damage by responding to early warnings in advance of an emergency."
McNeil's government experience includes 36 years in public service with the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba. Positions held include Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Vice President of Engineering and Construction and Vice-President of Hydraulics with the Manitoba Floodway Authority.
