Rowe Channel Upgrade Study Environmental Assessment

Share Rowe Channel Upgrade Study Environmental Assessment on Facebook Share Rowe Channel Upgrade Study Environmental Assessment on Twitter Share Rowe Channel Upgrade Study Environmental Assessment on Linkedin Email Rowe Channel Upgrade Study Environmental Assessment link

The Town, in partnership with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), has started a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to identify possible improvements to Rowe Channel. The channel is located between Lake Ontario and the Whitby GO Station.

The channel drains surface runoff from three main areas into Lake Ontario:

  • The residential area north of Highway 401
  • Whitby GO Station
  • Nearby areas south of Victoria Street West.

The channel is made of concrete or lined with gabion baskets. Gabion baskets are wire cages that contain rocks that prevent erosion (see photo). The wire in the gabion baskets is starting to fail because of old age. If the baskets are allowed to break, the rocks will fall into the channel. The channel will not be able to properly convey water and flooding may occur. Soil and invasive vegetation (phragmites or reed grass) have also built up in the channel over time, further reducing its ability to properly drain surface water to Lake Ontario.

The project team has identified and evaluated a range of design options to decrease the risk of flooding, the presence of invasive species and the Town’s costs to maintain the channel, while improving channel aesthetics. Based on the results of the evaluation, the preliminary preferred solution is a replacement of the existing channel with an open channel lined with armour stone.

How to get involved?

Community engagement is an important part of this project and proposed solution. Between now and December 17, residents are invited to review the Project Overview and Recommendations and complete a short survey to provide their feedback.

Next Steps

Feedback received will be considered in confirming the preferred alternative and finalizing the preliminary design.

Community feedback is also encouraged now and over the course of the study. If you have comments, require further information, or would like to be added to the project mailing list, please follow this project or use the comments box provided below.

The Town, in partnership with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), has started a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to identify possible improvements to Rowe Channel. The channel is located between Lake Ontario and the Whitby GO Station.

The channel drains surface runoff from three main areas into Lake Ontario:

  • The residential area north of Highway 401
  • Whitby GO Station
  • Nearby areas south of Victoria Street West.

The channel is made of concrete or lined with gabion baskets. Gabion baskets are wire cages that contain rocks that prevent erosion (see photo). The wire in the gabion baskets is starting to fail because of old age. If the baskets are allowed to break, the rocks will fall into the channel. The channel will not be able to properly convey water and flooding may occur. Soil and invasive vegetation (phragmites or reed grass) have also built up in the channel over time, further reducing its ability to properly drain surface water to Lake Ontario.

The project team has identified and evaluated a range of design options to decrease the risk of flooding, the presence of invasive species and the Town’s costs to maintain the channel, while improving channel aesthetics. Based on the results of the evaluation, the preliminary preferred solution is a replacement of the existing channel with an open channel lined with armour stone.

How to get involved?

Community engagement is an important part of this project and proposed solution. Between now and December 17, residents are invited to review the Project Overview and Recommendations and complete a short survey to provide their feedback.

Next Steps

Feedback received will be considered in confirming the preferred alternative and finalizing the preliminary design.

Community feedback is also encouraged now and over the course of the study. If you have comments, require further information, or would like to be added to the project mailing list, please follow this project or use the comments box provided below.

Comments

Have comment about this project? Leave it below!

loader image
Didn't receive confirmation?
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
Page last updated: 26 Apr 2023, 10:14 AM