As the future of the Howson Dam in Wingham continues to be debated, there may be an important aspect due to be released this summer that has the potential to delay any decision.
Earlier this week, we told you about North Huron council's ongoing struggles to establish Terms of Reference for a Howson Dam Committee of Council.
Now, the Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority says a planned update to flood plain mapping in Wingham will weigh several possibilities, including if the Howson Dam remains, or is torn down.
Steve Jackson says "with whatever solution North Huron decides, one of the issues will be 'what are the impacts on flooding upstream?', and that needs to be taken into account in the decision-making".
He notes that if the decision is made to maintain the dam as it is, the municipality will need to demonstrate to the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority that the work is not going to increase flooding beyond what the structure is currently doing".
Jackson confirms the M.V.C.A. hopes to have updated flood plain mapping for the greater Wingham area later this year.