Boaters will be asked to move even further away from Windsor's shoreline to protect it from flooding.
The Windsor Port Authority has extended the no-wake buffer zone for boaters in the Detroit River from 30 metres to 61 metres, in an effort to reduce the risk of boat wakes increasing soil erosion and the likelihood of shoreline flooding.
The expansion of the zone was made necessary with continued elevated water levels on the river. The port authority had ordered the former 30-metre buffer zone last summer when the lake and river levels were at previous record highs.
The Windsor police's marine unit will be charged with the task of enforcing the new buffer zone.
In addition, the city has prepared an updated guide for residents in regard to flooding, which can be accessed online at the city's official website. Mayor Drew Dilkens said flooding prevention is everyone's business.
"As everyone knows, the city is spending record amounts on infrastructure upgrades, but that doesn’t mean we should stop looking for other ways to be prepared as well," said Dilkens. "The City of Windsor appreciates the increased buffer by the Windsor Port Authority along the shoreline, which along with this consolidated guide are two more ways we can prepare for and protect against flooding."
Additional information on preventing basement flooding and backflow, along with other flooding-related topics, can be found on the city's website or by calling 311.
