Back when our side-burned friend was Premier of Ontario, the Ditches and Water Courses Act was first implemented in the Province- and recently an “Award Drain” established under the antiquated 1880s enactment has come into conflict with a proposed future development off Division Street in Arnprior.
The Campbell Lands Subdivision proposes to add 272 residential units to a 22.1 hectare parcel in Arnprior proper- but proponents are requesting an Official Plan Amendment to reduce the setback from the normal highwater mark from 30 meters to either 20 metres or 15 metres depending on where within their development plan each lot is located.
But there can be consequences to development on a flood plain, as already experienced by McNab-Braeside neighbours.
That’s Township resident Jeff Oakes, and the Scheel Drain to which he refers is another factor in our discussion.
The Scheel Award Drain was created in 1903, and back then its maintenance was seen as the responsibility of individual property owners adjacent to it.
Lorne Franklin, Drainage Superintendent with McNab-Braeside recently appeared at a Planning Meeting held by the Town of Arnprior to share the Township’s concerns.
Franklin reported to McNab-Braeside Council March 3rd that his February appearance at Arnprior Council had met with some success.
The Township’s Drainage Supervisor says a communication channel is now open between the two municipalities.
Franklin believes now’s the best time to convert the Scheel Access Drain to municipal authority- because additional planned developments in both jurisdictions in the vicinity are likely.
By Rick Stow
