Southeast Mount Forest drainage fixes proposed for summer 2027

KENILWORTH – Mount Forest residents experiencing flooding around Ayrshire and Clyde streets may get a fix next summer.

Rain from the community’s southeast runs along ditches, through pipes and empties into the South Saugeen River.

A drainage study conducted by BM Ross found 15 deficiencies ranging in severity from mild to severe, some of which could cause ditches to overflow onto private property during significant rain events.

Several addresses around Ayrshire, Clyde and Murphy streets are most severely affected, according to the firm’s modelling and observational data. 

The township’s system is “generally functional, but there are some localized deficiencies that require action,” BM Ross engineer Izaak De Jager told Wellington North council on Oct. 5.

The study found small pipes and poorly defined ditches result in rain water spilling onto private yards and across roads.

The estimated project cost to fix the issues is $705,194, before engineering fees.

Council adopted the study and directed staff to consider a priority capital project for the area in the coming budget, to be voted on next year by a new council.

The proposed solutions include larger pipes, a new ditch, rebuilding current ditches and regrading Clyde Street.

“We’re looking at summer 2027 as a timeline for fixing these issues,” De Jager said.

Meanwhile, township staff will tackle immediate cleanup and continue monitoring the area.