Paris Flood Mitigation Class Environmental Assessment

Construction of the existing Paris flood protection was completed in 1979.

The County of Brant initiated the Paris Flood Risk Mitigation Master Plan to address maintenance and upgrades to the existing flood protection in Paris, Ontario. A condition assessment, completed in April 2019, found that the existing flood protection measures need significant maintenance because they do not meet stability or preliminary flood protection criteria. Ecosystem Recovery Inc. was retained by the County to provide consulting services and assist with the plan.

The plan evaluated a set of alternatives including:

do nothing
undertake maintenance and repair activities
increase level of protectionContinue reading

Construction of the existing Paris flood protection was completed in 1979.

The plan evaluated a set of alternatives including:

do nothing
undertake maintenance and repair activities
increase level of protection to the 100-year flood event level or
increase level of protection to the regulatory event (ex. major hurricane)

The Outcome

It was determined that the preferred solution is to increase the level of protection to the 100-year flood event level and the solution consists of eight (8) individual projects. A strategy has been developed to inform future funding options.

To learn more about the flood prone areas, visit the Flood Area Map. As well, to learn how to prepare for a flood, visit brant.ca/EmergencyPlanning.

Stay informed

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Comments and information regarding this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment are being collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1990). With the exception of personal information, all comments will be included as public input in the Project File Report which will be placed on the public record.

The Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment has been completed.

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What is a Schedule B Environmental Assessment?
A Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment is a municipal planning process for infrastructure projects that have potential, but manageable, environmental impacts. It requires screening, public consultation, and documentation of a preferred solution, representing a moderate level of assessment.
- Involves improvements and minor expansions to existing facilities.
- Requires fulfilling:
  - Phase 1: Identifying the problem or opportunity.
  - Phase 2: Identifying alternative solutions, evaluating them, and selecting a preferred solution.
- Requires engagement with the public and relevant review agencies to address concerns.
- A Project File is prepared at the end of the process and made available for public review.
Recommendation
One of the recommendations from the Schedule B Environmental Assessment was to complete a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment specifically for the Downtown area of Paris and the buildings backing onto the Grand River.
What is a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment?
A Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment is a comprehensive planning process for major municipal infrastructure projects with significant potential environmental impacts. Schedule C will ensure that potential environmental effects are fully analyzed and mitigated before project approval and construction.
- Projects must follow a 5-phase planning process that identifies alternatives, assesses impacts, and develops mitigation strategies.
- Early and ongoing consultation with the public, indigenous communities, and regulatory agencies, is a mandatory, key component.
- An Environmental Study Report will be shared with the public.
Next steps
The County of Brant continues to work through this project and a Public Open House will be planned in the future.
For the most recent updates or to be notified of future engagement opportunities, please subscribe to this page by adding your email to the Stay Informed box and click ‘Subscribe’.
The public consultation process

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The plan included public and Indigenous communities’ consultation. Due to the significant public interest and impact of the works in downtown Paris between the William Street bridge and the Grand River Street bridge, it was recommended that this portion of the project undergo further assessment to include additional technical investigations and public and Indigenous communities’ consultation. Public consultation is important for the success of this project.
A virtual public meeting was held on June 21, 2021 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. A recorded presentation was also posted so interested community members can view the information and submit questions ahead of the virtual meeting.
The Paris Flood Risk Mitigation Master Plan was also available for review between April 27, 2022 to July 4, 2022. The Plan is available online and at the Burford and Paris Customer Service Offices.