Protecting Our Zones
What is the City of Brantford Doing to Protect Local Intake Protection Zones?
In 2008, six-foot high chain link fencing was installed along the west side of Grand River Avenue adjacent to the Holmedale Canal to act as a deterrent to both pedestrians and motorists who might otherwise choose to dump garbage, or waste chemicals in or along the east bank of the canal. Guardrails were further installed opposite three T-intersections along Grand River Avenue to deflect any motor vehicles or truck trailers from accidentally entering the canal.
In the fall of 2010, old, manual control gates are being replaced with new watertight, automated control gates at the inlet to the Holmedale Canal. These gates will prevent any contaminated river water from entering the canal upon closure of the gates. Automation will decrease response times upon notification of any spills upstream as the new electrically operated gates can be closed quickly by the system operator.
In addition to the new control gates, Drinking Water Protection Area permanent street signs and Source Water Protection interpretive signs are being installed within Intake Protection Zones 1 and 2, along with a number to call in case of a spill.
These projects have received funding support from the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program to enhance the City’s risk management practices in regards to protecting our supply of drinking water.