Burlington, Ont.— Feb. 27, 2017 —The City of Burlington Capital Works Department has been recognized by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for their Aug. 4, 2014 Vulnerability, Prioritization and Mitigation Study in the category of 2016 Public Works Project of the Year in the Environment, Less than $2 million.
The OPWA Public Works Projects of the Year Awards are presented annually to promote excellence in public works projects by recognizing the success of the projects as well as the alliance between team members who have completed these significant projects.
Immediately following the rain storm of Aug. 4, 2014, the City of Burlington hired Amec Foster Wheeler to study the rainfall and flooding; to identify areas in Burlington at risk of flooding and to recommend solutions for these areas. The study’s recommendations have formed the framework for the city’s future stormwater program. Currently, several of these recommended projects are underway.
The Ontario government also helped the City of Burlington with flood recovery efforts through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) raised $900,000 which the province matched two to one with $2.1 million to support flood recovery efforts in the City of Burlington.
Allan Magi and Cary Clark from the City of Burlington along with Ron Scheckenberger and Aaron Brouwers from Amec Foster Wheeler attended the OPWA Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon on Jan. 27, 2017 to accept the award. Mayor Rick Goldring congratulated city staff at the Committee of the Whole meeting in Council Chambers on Feb. 27, 2017.
For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/flood.
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Quotes
Mayor Rick Goldring
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us on this journey to recovery after the flood of Aug. 4 2014. It’s been a long process but the support of our government partners, the community and city staff has made all the difference. This award recognizes the great work done by staff in storm recovery efforts and future planning for our city.”
Allan Magi, Executive Director, Capital Works
“It’s an honour to be recognized by OPWA for this work. Understanding the risks and making infrastructure improvements will enhance the level of service provided by the city’s storm drainage system and reduce the risk of future flooding.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/flood
www.burlington.ca/stormwater
- A band of rain storms travelled through the City of Burlington on Aug. 4, 2014, resulting in flooding and damaging homes and businesses.
- Environment Canada recorded a total rainfall of over 150 millimetres.
Images/Photos
Caption: L – R City staff, Cary Clark and Alan Magi, with Michelle Albert, Ontario Public Works Association President and Ron Scheckenberger from Amec Foster Wheeler (far right) accept congratulations from Mayor Rick Goldring and Councillor Marianne Meed-Ward on behalf of Council at the Feb. 27, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting for their OPWA award.
Flood and fundraising photos and videos:
https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Remembering-the-Flood-One-Year-Later.asp
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