New construction in west Kanata could be halted for the next five weeks.
The city’s planning committee voted to block building from proceeding on all lands drained by the Carp River until modelling for water levels in the river can be run with data taking into account the July 24 storm, when 160 mm of rain fell in Kanata.
The water had overwhelmed the sewer system and resulted in more than 1,200 homes being flooded. This was the third flood in the past 15 years for many of the affected areas.
A report with the new data would be ready in time for the Oct. 13 planning committee meeting.
While developers and people waiting to move into the area may be upset about the delay, Kanata South Coun. Peggy Feltmate said they must understand that the city has a responsibility to the residents that currently live in the communities.
“The first step, from now until the middle of October, is to give reassurance and understanding and allow for my constituents to be able to gain a sense of safety
within their own home,” she said.
The five-week moratorium would affect around 100 buildings in Kanata, said Mike Wildman, manager of development review-suburban services with the city.
