6. Flood-Ready Riverside
Why This Matters
There is no single project that makes Riverside flood-proof. I support sustained work on sewer capacity, stormwater management, drainage and infrastructure, with particular attention to vulnerable areas and the Little River system.
I also want residents to understand what is being done, what is coming next and why particular projects are priorities. Flood protection has to be long-term infrastructure planning—not something we suddenly remember after somebody’s basement fills with water.
What City Hall Can Do
Yes. Sewer, stormwater, drainage and much local infrastructure are core municipal responsibilities, although watershed work and major projects can involve conservation authorities and other governments.
Who Needs to Be Involved
City engineering and public works staff, residents, utilities, the Essex Region Conservation Authority where applicable, developers and provincial/federal infrastructure partners.
Cost and Funding
Flood mitigation can range from routine maintenance to major multi-year capital projects costing significant sums. Specific numbers should come from engineering studies and the City capital plan, not campaign guesses.
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Municipal water/sewer and capital budgets, development-related funding where legally applicable, and provincial/federal infrastructure and climate-resilience programs.
What I Will Do
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Ask for a clear Ward 6 flood-resilience work plan, track project timelines and maintenance issues, press for outside funding, and report progress in plain language.
My Action Plan
Obtain a clear Ward 6 map and timeline of current sewer, stormwater, drainage and flood-mitigation projects, including known problem areas and how they rank in the City’s capital plan.
Ask engineering staff to explain the evidence behind priorities—basement flooding history, sewer capacity, overland flow, pumping, drainage, climate projections and Little River/watercourse conditions—and make that information understandable to residents.
Protect maintenance as well as capital investment. Press for inspection and maintenance of catch basins, sewers, drains, pumps and related infrastructure so expensive systems perform when severe weather hits.
Review major development and road projects for cumulative drainage effects before approval. New growth should not quietly transfer additional flood risk to existing neighbourhoods.
Pursue provincial and federal resilience/infrastructure funding aggressively when intakes open, with projects sufficiently designed and documented that Windsor can compete for funding rather than scramble after announcements.
Communicate before storms and after incidents. Residents should know what the City is doing, what household measures are available, where to report flooding and what lessons are being incorporated after major events.