Municipality of Brighton Looks Into Possible Civil Claim As A Result of 2017 and 2019 Flooding

Pete Fisher
4 years ago
• Categories: City Hall

The Municipality of Brighton is looking into possible civil action for the losses of shoreline during unprecedented Lake Ontario levels in 2017 and 2019.

The release is as follows:

Lake Ontario reached unprecedented levels in 2017 and 2019, causing flooding and erosion along our shores and wetlands.

On January 23, 2020 Mayor Ostrander and Brighton Council hosted an educational event regarding Lake Ontario water levels, water management Policy (2014) and emergency flood preparedness.

This event featured formal presentations from invited speakers, as well as an open forum for the public to ask questions and speak about their experiences.

As a result of ongoing consultation, Brighton Council retained the firm of Baker -McKenzie as legal counsel to determine the viability of the Municipality pursuing a potential civil claim for the
Municipality’s losses relating to Lake Ontario shoreline flooding.

Brighton’s legal counsel provided a full report including various recommendations to Council last fall. An updated report and recommendations will be considered by Council in April 2021.

In December 2019, the Municipality of Brighton adopted a new service level policy relating to municipal response to shoreline flooding, details of which are outlined in the attached High Water Event Service Guide.

The Lower Trent Conservation Authority commissioned the completion the “Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan.” This Plan identifies the Flood prone properties along the
Shoreline of Brighton.

“Council remains committed to working with our Federal partners to seek relief for Lake Ontario shoreline flooding. We look forward to receiving further advice on this matter and we will
continue to advocate for a better lake level management plan that protects the shores of our community.”
-Mayor Brian Ostrander