WHEREAS the Ottawa River spring freshet period has been unstable over the last 7 years due to management challenges as a result of Climate Change and development occurring within its basin; and
WHEREAS major flooding has occurred in 2017, 2019 and 2023, impacting numerous residents and municipalities alike; and
WHEREAS Municipalities along the Ottawa River are concerned with the freshet period and the inability to manage the river, and its impacts to residents and municipalities; and
WHEREAS a comprehensive study must be undertaken to develop the appropriate management tools and practices to reduce the occurrences of flooding of the Ottawa River;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Clarence-Rockland hereby petitions the Minister of Public Safety of Canada, M. Bill Blair to conduct a third-party study of the Ottawa River and its tributaries and basins in order to provide the Ottawa River Planning board better tools to adapt the river to the influence of climate change and from the impact of development; and
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Clarence-Rockland further request that a cross-border consultation board representing the municipalities in support of this petition be created to oversee the scope of work of the study and to provide input into proposed implementation options; and
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT this petition be circulated to all municipalities along the Ottawa River for support.