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An estimated $2.3 million damage was caused by the torrential rains that raised havoc in the Rhoddy’s Bay-Sand Point area July 24.
That’s the figure used by McNab-Braeside council Aug. 11 when it requested the Minister of Municipal Affairs declare the affected strip along the Ottawa River a disaster area.
That motion is a major step towards acquiring Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) funding for both residents and the township. However, as residents were told at a special information meeting Aug. 7, there are significant strings attached to any assistance (see Page 9).
At a special meeting last Tuesday, council passed the motion asking the minister to declare the region between Goshen Road to the Ottawa River from Division Street to Storie Road officially a disaster area. If Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson agrees, council will immediately appoint members to an independent disaster relief committee, the motion reads.
The committee would oversee a local fundraising campaign and administer the allocation of funds raised in the community and received from the province.
Township staff have been busy estimating damage to municipal infrastructure, mostly roads, and had urged residents to report private property damage estimates by noon Tuesday.
When all the figures were added up, the total came to $1,684,675 worth of damage to private property and $609,930 damage to public property.
About a dozen affected proper-owners attended the council meeting. In response to a question from Elaine Orrbine, Coun. Andy Dunlop said he has approached the Arnprior Legion about getting involved in the fundraising campaign.
Municipal Affairs officials told residents Aug. 7 that to qualify for ODRAP funding a local fundraising campaign has to be mounted. The province will match up to $2 for every $1 raised locally.
Councillors had suggested that such a campaign would be easier if an incorporated group took the lead role.
Dunlop said the Legion seemed “quite interested” in helping, which is fortunate because it has a hall in which to hold fundraising events.
He said he also anticipates having local service clubs, such as the Lions, and fraternal organizations involved too. “The more we can get the better,” he said. “I hope we’ll get four or five groups involved.”
Mayor Mary Campbell said an individual has expressed interest in serving on, or maybe even chairing, the relief committee. “So we’re getting response,” she said.
MORE FEARS
Steve Anderson, whose house was one of the worst hit, told council he’s found a number of railway ties jamming up a culvert under the Ottawa Valley Rail Road (OVRR) tracks. “It’s making me very nervous,” he said, noting it could contribute to more flooding if another strong rainstorm hits.
Township CAO Noreen Mellema said she’d alert OVRR to the problem.
“It needs to be looked at so I can sleep at night,” said Anderson.
Resident Rob Dey said a railway official told him that OVRR engineers will be checking along the full length of the line in the area. “There are all types of debris (along the line),” he said.
Resident Brian Orrbine said the OVRR has been co-operative so far, but the township and residents need to keep the pressure on to ensure the company lives up to its responsibilities.
Campbell said County of Renfrew public works director Dave Darche wants a meeting of township, county and railway officials to discuss drainage needs in the area.
Lloyd Cameron asked if he could go ahead and fix his beach area. Later in the evening, at council’s planning advisory committee session, Ministry of Natural Resources district manager Paul Moreau said people still need a permit to work on waterfront, but considering the circumstances, approvals are being expedited.