In 2018 the Director of Public Works signed a petition for a Municipal Drain to alleviate flooding and provide improved drainage control on Bruce Beach Road North of the 8th Concession.

On November 19, 2018, Council appointed Dietrich Engineering to prepare the report which on May 3, 2021, the responsibility was transferred to Headway Engineering.

Dietrich Engineering Limited attended the October 14, 2020, Council Meeting to provide Council with an update on the project, and to discuss potential phasing options which will allow for the construction of the most critical components of the design as soon as possible to increase the safety of the public. A description of the possible phasing of the south portion of the project is as follows:

1) Phase I

Phase I includes the construction of the detention facility east of Lake Range Drive; the Lake Range Drive road crossing; and improvements to the ravine downstream of Lake Range Drive to Bruce Beach Road.

2) Phase II

Phase II includes the construction of a drainage system directly affecting properties on the east side of Bruce Beach Road between Concession 8 Road and the ravine, and an outlet to Lake Huron.

The north portion of the Bruce Beach Municipal Drain was removed from the original municipal drain project in November 2020 as the majority of the storm water generated in this area originates on the municipal road allowance and the proposed infiltration gallery to be constructed is within the municipal road allowance. Therefore, this section is similar to a municipal storm sewer project that generally involves providing road drainage by constructing a storm sewer or open ditch.

The Township had provided direction to the Engineer to apply for an Emergency Order (Section 124) for the Drainage Act to allow an accelerated construction of the storm water retention facility.

On October 1, 2021, the Township received confirmation of the approved drainage project as defined in the engineer’s report for the Bruce Beach Road Municipal Drain – Phase 1 to be an emergency within the meaning of Section 124 of the Drainage Act. This designation allowed for the construction of Phase 1 of the Bruce Beach Municipal Drain (pond, ravine work) to proceed without risk of procedural violations under the Drainage Act.

On July 19, 2021, Council accepted the Bruce Beach Municipal Drain Phase 1 report prepared by Headway Engineering and granted provisional approval.

Three appeals to the assessment were received by the Township, a hearing will be held in March 2022.

Preliminary work on Phase II of Bruce Beach Drain has commenced with more information to follow in 2022.

Phase 1: Completion and Next Steps

Phase 1 of the Bruce Beach Municipal Drain project has reached completion. While the process involved significant challenges, the drainage system is now fully operational and meeting its intended purpose. As part of this phase, the Township will soon be issuing final assessments to the residents involved. We understand that this is an important step, and we appreciate the community's patience and cooperation throughout this project.

Phase 2: Current Status and Approvals
For Phase 2, the project has secured approvals from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) following their reviews of the necessary studies. Although these approvals are important, the design continues to be refined, incorporating both regulatory feedback and public input from earlier engagement sessions.

Ongoing Design Refinement and Public Engagement
The project team continues to refine the design while taking public input into consideration. We are carefully planning future engagement opportunities and will provide updates when more information becomes available. Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully as the project progresses.

Moving Forward
We understand the importance of this project to the area and appreciate your patience as we navigate its complexities. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we progress through these stages and will provide updates at key milestones.

Thank you for your continued engagement.