Department of Infrastructure of Canada

10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 13:25

Federal government invests in flood mitigation for the Raisin River

Federal government invests in flood mitigation for the Raisin River

From: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

News release

Flood mitigation measures are being put in place to reduce the likelihood, frequency, and severity of flooding to residents and businesses located on the south branch of the Raisin River in Cornwall, after an investment of $783,360 from the federal government.

Cornwall, Ontario October 9, 2024 - Flood mitigation measures are being put in place to reduce the likelihood, frequency, and severity of flooding to residents and businesses located on the south branch of the Raisin River in Cornwall, after an investment of $783,360 from the federal government.

A new culvert will significantly decrease the likelihood of flooding from the south branch of the river. This will reduce sewer overflows and the risk of wastewater moving into storm water systems. Once upgraded, the culvert will have an increased life span and reduced maintenance requirements.

This project aligns with the 2022 City of Cornwall Climate Change Action Plan.

Making adaptation investments now not only keeps Canadians safe but also has major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as$13 to $15 in benefits.

Quotes

"As we deal with the growing impacts of climate change, we need to work with communities to keep them safe from potential natural disasters. A new culvert for the south branch of the Raisin River will do just that for the residents and business of Cornwall."

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"We appreciate the support of the federal government in the replacement of our culvert located on McConnell Avenue. This project not only enhances the safety and resilience of our community but also underscores a shared commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and sustainable development."

Justin Towndale, Mayor of Cornwall

Quick facts

  • The federal government is investing $783,360 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

  • The DMAF program supports projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that helps communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.

  • Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 millionin total eligible costs to be considered eligible.

  • Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3 billionto the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Part of this commitment is $489.1 millionin funding from the Adaptation Action Plan, which was released in November 2022 alongside Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. Overall, the National Adaptation Strategy commits $1.6 billionin new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sofia Ouslis
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
[email protected]

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: [email protected]
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City of Cornwall
[email protected]