Chatham-Kent –
There is a long history of ice jams on the Thames River; and in parallel, efforts have been made for more than four decades to investigate ice problems and potential solutions for mitigating them. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is often asked to make decisions regarding whether or not docks are permitted on the Thames River. It has found that even robust docks suffer damage from flooding and ice push/jam events. A detailed approach has been lacking for the Conservation Authority to make informed decisions regarding a given proposed dock.
The overall objective of the work is to produce an Ice Guideline that assists LTVCA staff in decision-making with respect to permitting for docks regarding ice issues. The reports that guided the creation of this policy include the Technical Report: Ice Guideline for Docks, and the Ice Guideline for Docks that were prepared by Mr. George Comfort, P. Eng., an experienced and qualified ice engineer. Links to these documents are below. In order to implement the Guideline that is supported by the Technical Background Report, a Thames River Dock Policy is required.
The Ice Policy’s area of jurisdiction extends from the mouth of the Thames River up to Communication Road, which is near the eastern city boundary for Chatham. Furthermore, the Ice Guideline’s area of jurisdiction is limited to the lower Thames River, and it excludes the tributaries (i.e., various creeks and canals) that feed into the Thames River, with the exception of Lighthouse Cove canals.
The Draft Final Policy will be available on the LTVCA’s website www.ltvca.ca on this page https://www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca/about-us/public-consultation-and-bid-opportunities/ for the month of August for review and feedback. Please direct any feedback / comments to Valerie Towsley at [email protected].
Links to documents here:
Draft Final LTVCA Dock Policy 2022
Technical Report Ice Guideline for Docks
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For further information contact:
Valerie Towsley – LTVCA Watershed Resource Planner
Tel: 519-354-7310 Ext.226