This article offers detailed clarification on working with the MVCA to ensure safe road access.
Safe Private Road Access for Mississippi Lake – MVCA
The Mississippi Lakes Association has been working with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to better define which private road sections could pose a restriction for safe vehicle access and impact building decisions.
Detailed maps are now available on the MVCA website that provide helpful information about sections of private roads that would be overtopped by more than 30 cm (12”) of water in the event of a 1 in 100 year flood. The Mississippi Lake Overview map along with 16 area maps can be found here. Road sections in solid red are the sections that could be increased in elevation to create safe access. Correcting these solid red sections would create safe access to all connected roads highlighted with ‘red dashes’.
Road Associations wishing to undertake corrective actions must obtain MVCA permission and a development permit, which includes confirmation that the road owner(s) agree and authorize the proposed work. MVCA will conduct a preliminary review of any proposed work during a pre-consultation process. The proposed work and fill must not reduce flood capacity or conveyance, nor create a 'dam' that restricts flood waters from entering existing overflow areas. MVCA Pre-Consultation Guidelines found here.
If you have already finished road improvements, whether you obtained permits or not, it is crucial to update these road measurements on MVCA’s maps to ensure accurate public road information in the event of floods. Conducting proper surveys is relatively affordable with GPS equipment. MLA has partnered with a survey company that offers discounted services for MLA members.
For more information, please reach out to MLA Chris Winter at roads@mlakes.org.
The goal of the Mississippi Lakes Association is to see safe road access for all residents, emergency services and the public around our Lake.
Chris Winter – MLA Roads (roads@mlakes.org)
Graham Whitelaw – MLA Municipal Relations (mun-rel@mlakes.org)
It was worth the wait to get good maps showing where roads are in danger of flooding. Next step is for RAs to deal with the "red" segments of thier roads so everybody will be safe during flooding.