MAPLETON – Back in February 2024, Mapleton Township received a notice of request for a major improvement for the Pentz Drain.
Originally constructed in 1967, the drain was comprised of a main drain with open and closed portions, as well as two closed branches designated “A” drain and “B” drain.
The closed portion of the main drain outletted into an open drain on the property of Bernice and Clayton Gingrich, west of Wellington Road 7.
They submitted the application due to the open portion of the drain which “bisects” the southern part of his property, essentially dividing it into two parts.
Clayton Gingrich indicated he would like to have the closed portion of the drain extended from its current outlet on the west side of Wellington Road 7, downstream to municipal drain one.
At the conclusion of the site meeting, associates decided to complete the survey work needed and prepare a preliminary design for review and discussion. All parties were in agreement with this approach.
Upon investigation, it was clear the open drain was “very intrusive” to farming operations, states a report from township consultant R.J. Burnside and Associates.
“The extension of the existing closed drain and the filling and grading of the abandoned open drain would allow the owners to better utilize the property,” continues the report.
It would also eliminate the need for future clean-outs and possible erosion control work.
The design included an installation of 1,358 feet of closed drain and the minor clean-out of 705 feet of open drain (municipal drain one). An additional 49 feet is needed for the connection of the existing drain.
Some of the associated work includes:
- installation of a straw bale sediment check dam;
- seeding of all disturbed areas;
- stripping of topsoil along drain connection route;
- installation of new catch basin; and
- filling and grading of road ditch to meet new catch basin location.
Under the Drainage Act, a compensation allowance is paid to the property owner for the disruption created as a result of the construction activities.
Bernice and Clayton Gingrich are set to receive just over $4,500, based on $4,000 per hectare or $1,620 per acre.
The estimated cost for the drain construction is $90,000, but the total project cost is $160,000 due to allowances, reports, inspections, procedures and financing.
Council agreed to draft a bylaw to proceed with construction, which will be considered at a court of revision session on July 8.
