Regina Councillor wants to delay flood map updates that could affect Crescents, Lakeview

A Regina city councillor wants to delay a potential interim bylaw change that would restrict development in the Crescents and Lakeview areas.

Ward 3 Councillor David Froh raised concerns on social media about the potential bylaw on Tuesday, which he said was the result of the Water Security Agency (WSA) updating its flood maps and considering an expansion of its floodway and flood fringe areas.

WSA is updating its maps provincially, including the two aforementioned areas in Regina.

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Froh explained the City of Regina is considering the interim bylaw change until it has “certainty” on the province’s direction.

Froh said a significant portion of Lakeview and the Crescents could face restrictions like not being able to expand their homes or add a garage as a result of the bylaw.

He said municipalities need to comply with provincial legislation, but residents and stakeholders need to be informed and consulted beforehand, especially for matters in their neighbourhood.

“We need to take the time over the summer and the fall to make sure we get this right,” Froh told 980 CJME..

“I’ll be pushing to see that tabled (delayed), so we can work with the province and the residents to find a solution that works for everybody. We cannot rush this full stop.”

Froh said he’s been in conversations with the WSA minister’s office, which has been open to working collaboratively moving forward.

“I’m optimistic that they’ll work with us to find a tenable solution, notably delaying the release of these maps so we can look at alternative ways to protect our communities from flooding – but doing so in a way that ensures the (Crescents) and Lakeview are a viable, great community,” Froh said.

“Most importantly, we cannot be surprising people with significant public policy without consultation. I believe the minister’s office agrees, certainly from the City of Regina’s perspective, we have an expectation that residents and stakeholders will be consulted, not told about significant changes to their neighbourhood.”

Water Security Agency working with communities, city

In an emailed statement from WSA, it said keeping communities safe while supporting development is very important.

“The Water Security Agency works closely with communities to provide them with data and information as it relates to flood mapping and where potential flooding might occur,” the statement read.

According to WSA, in partnership with the federal government, it has invested over $2.7M on flood mapping projects for communities across Saskatchewan.

“Planning, data and mitigation are the strongest tools in being proactive to combat potential flooding issues,” it said.

Its draft flood map was shared with the City of Regina in recent weeks.

980 CJME has reached out to the City of Regina for comment.