LETTER

Re: Fraser Road Monolith & flooding

 

Construction  on Fraser Beach Road is an example of how not to develop waterfront property. Since the 1970s,  lots were back-filled  in the high velocity flood-zone,  statistically flooding every 20 years. Urban planners argued that raising the foundation and requiring owners to flood-proof new homes legitimized building in this flood prone area. Constraints were imposed on flood-damage insurance policies.

In the 1990s, empty lots north along Frazer Beach Road were sold for peanuts with the agreement that they could never be developed. Twenty years later, all these lots have homes.

While the Environment Ministry reviews commercial subdivisions for conformity, private homes receive approval from Gatineau's urban planning department. It appears the latest monstrosity with a reduced road set-back was intended to place the  dwelling  partially outside  of the flood plain by situating it closer to Frazer Road.

Council has resolved to retroactively approve variances throughout the city's history for most incidents  of non-conformity. If a precedent was set by council forcing  the owner  to uproot  this latest blight away from the road, thousands of similar non-conforming building  would be forced to come down.      

Nature has its own method of applying justice. I predict this and other Fraser Beach homes will eventually see interior furnishings floating toward their ceilings, a spectacle I witnessed during the 1976 Ottawa River  flood.     

This letter was sent to the Bulletin a few years ago during the controversy on Fraser Road.  

Ian Huggett
former Aylmer resident