It’s a simple choice: fix it or lose it.
In this case, Wellington North council needs to address riverbank erosion or lose a local road allowance.
A recent works committee report highlighted concerns about riverbank erosion of Four Mile Creek, near Concession 4, Sideroad 10.
When Mayor Mike Broomhead asked why the item was on the agenda, public works chairman Dan Yake explained the river is along County Road 109 near Concession 4.
“The riverbank has washed away so dramatically, that it’s not far from encroaching onto the road,” Yake said.
While there is still a bit of room, there has been severe erosion over the past number of years, he added.
“If you drive down 109 just before you get to the Sideroad, on the right hand side you can see where the trees have fallen off the bank,” Yake said.
He added the concern is if the erosion is not addressed soon, it could reach the road allowance and cause even more damage.
He said there was a meeting involving Garth Noecker, from K.Smart Associates, township representatives Dale Clark and Public Works manager Gary Williamson, and GRCA representatives to consider ways to rehabilitate the riverbank.
“The idea is to have the river move back to its natural course, rather than erode the riverbank. It does need to be addressed, there’s no question about it,” Yake told council.
When Broomhead asked whose responsibility the river is, the answer he got was it is the township’s.
“Can’t we share it with anyone?”?the mayor asked.
When he then asked if there were grants available, the answer was negative.
“Did this issue just jump out from nowhere?” Broomhead asked.
Yake said the issue is ongoing and there have been past discussions on the problem.
Most recently, it was discussed by council in September.
“It’s just now we’re at the point where we’ve got engineering people looking at the situation and ways and means of trying to find a solution.”
Yake added the township budgeted $5,000 just for the engineering.
“The main thing is to get the river flowing back on its natural course, rather than off course, where it is now.”
Williamson added that “the bank where the soil is being eroded is actually the road allowance.” “If we don’t address it, we’ll end up losing that portion of the road.”
