Flood Control and Management

The concept of Conservation Authorities (CAs) originated in the 1930’s and 1940’s when the province identified a need to improve resource management and the devastation of Hurrican Hazel was on everyones mind. Control of flooding was the most serious concern as well as other natural phenomena such as drought, and erosion. As a result individuals in government, university and the private sector combined to form the Guelph Conference in 1941. They decided to utilize the Ganaraska watershed for a feasibility study of resource management. Recommendations that followed the completion of this project led to passing a Conservation Authorities Act in 1946.

Soon afterwards Conservation Authorities were developed by the province in partnership with twoor more municipalities to form CAs in urban centres throughout the province. They became known as independent corporate organizations involved in conservation and resource management. Their initial jurisdictions were in water resource management, which later became integrated with wise land use. Recently CAs have become involved in drought response.

As the CAs grew, three basic principles were formed, a) enhanced public knowledge and participation b) combined municipal (city) and provincial (government) involvement c) to maintain jurisdiction within a watershed area. Conservation Authorities have recently begun to play an important part in water quality and quantity as the facilitators of Drinking Water Source Protection Planning.

Since 1948 CAs have increased in number and size to thirty-six, encompassing 400 municipalities and covering16,063 square kilometres. Five of these thirty-six are located in Northern Ontario. Ninety percent of all Ontario’s population live within the jurisdiction of a Conservation Authority, the remaining ten percent are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Since its inception in 1963 the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA) has completed flood control projects such as Central Creek, Bennett-West Davignon diversion channel, East Davignon , Fort Creek Dam, Reservoir and flood control channel and Clark Creek. Flood control services are provided through debris removal, grass cutting, maintenance and repairs to the five flood control channels as well as the Fort Creek Dam. This maintenance is essential to ensure the unobstructed flow of water from the northern portion of the watershed, through the City to the St. Marys River .

The flood control structures have proven to be a worthwhile investment with the Fort Creek Dam alone protecting more than 400 residences and various commercial properties.