Accessibility and Access Keys [0]
Mattamy Homes Corporation was fined $5,000 in Provincial Offences Court on March 5, 2009 after pleading guilty to undertaking a “development”, namely the placing of fill within the 1:100 year flood plain of the Jock River on the western edge of the Village of Richmond contrary to the provisions of the Conservation Authorities Act (R.S.O. 1990 as amended) and Ontario Regulation 174/06.
The company constructed a substantial berm about 400 m long and 25 m wide at the base within the 1:100 year regulated flood plain of the Jock River without the necessary approvals of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). The Authority charged the company with the violation which ended in court on March 5.
In a negotiated settlement of the matter, RVCA and Mattamy agreed on a site restoration plan in which the berm is to be relocated to a position further back from the Jock River, ensuring that its presence will have no adverse effect on the control of flooding at this site or elsewhere along the river. The riparian zone (shoreline and related backshore area) of the Jock River is to be fully restored to its natural condition by Mattamy.
Shelley Macpherson, RVCA Regulations Officer, said “We encourage property owners and contractors to get in touch with our office prior to any near-shore or in-water work to ensure that all issues related to the flood plain, habitat protection and sustainable development are considered.” Contractors and property owners are encouraged to understand RVCA’s environmental requirements in advance of work being done.
The RVCA will continue to protect people and investments by attempting to keep inappropriate development out of the regulated flood plain of the Rideau River and its tributaries. The public is encouraged to report any suspected resource violations to the local MNR office, Conservation Authority or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-84787.