St. John's reviewing feedback for flood mitigation project for Rennies River

The city of St. John's is reviewing feedback for a proposed flood mitigation project for Rennies River from Portugal Cove Road to Kings Bridge Road.

The public was invited to provide comments through a virtual engagement session, email, and telephone.

Topics that were raised during the engagement process include a need to focus on upstream issues first and look at alternatives, there were questions around drainage, catch basins, temporary ponding and flooding risks to properties in the area, funding and timing of the project and relationship to Long Pond Flow Control project, the impact of berms on properties and walking trail and the impact of bridge repairs in the area and flow of water.

There were also concerns for fish habitat, trees, soil, conservation of habitat and requests for more data and time to review the proposal and explore all options.

From here, city staff will complete the Environmental Preview Report for submission to the provincial government. The project will then undergo a 45-day review period.

There will have another opportunity to comment on the project before the Minister makes a decision.