Minto council approves next steps for municipal drain improvements
MINTO – Council here has approved the next steps toward improving municipal drain 62 after receiving requests from two property owners seeking changes to the aging drainage system.
Minto council approved proceeding with the project, located off Mill Street East (Wellington Road 2), without discussion on July 14, authorizing the required notices under the Drainage Act and appointing Spriet Associates and Consulting Engineers to carry out the engineering work following the mandatory 30-day notice period.
“This report is to address two requests for improvement to municipal drain 62 received by town staff under Section 78 of the Drainage Act,” said drainage superintendent Ryan Binkle. “The requests were submitted from two separate owners: one looking to tile his agricultural property, and another wanting to relocate a portion of the drain away from his residence.”
Municipal drain 62 serves approximately 49 acres, consisting of three agricultural properties under one ownership, several residential properties and Wellington Road 2.
Binkle said records show the municipal drain dates back more than 60 years.
“Records indicate that the original construction under the drain was … from 1964, and the tile drain system outlets into municipal drain Coon Creek,” he shared.
Rather than beginning construction immediately, the approval allows engineering work to begin. Binkle explained a qualified drainage engineer will conduct a detailed assessment of the system.
The engineer will “evaluate the drain’s capacity, condition and alignment, and provide recommendations that include designs, cost estimates, landowners’ assessments and timelines in accordance with Section 78 of the Drainage Act,” he said.
He added affected property owners and stakeholders will be notified and allowed to request additional improvements during the process.
It is noted in the report that all project costs will ultimately be assessed to benefiting landowners, utilities and road authorities in accordance with the Drainage Act.
Council approved the recommendation without discussion or questions from members.
