A mixed bag of responses for a proposed solution to fix flooding in Heritage Estates and Oliver Farms in LaSalle.
The town gave residents a chance to look at a the plan Thursday night which includes new sewer lines and a retention pond, but carries a price tag of about $11-million.
The two subdivisions have a total of about 800 homes and since 2014 roughly 10% have been flooded one or more times.
Tim Koelln lives in Oliver Farms and says he likes what he sees.
"We've had problems in the past with our water lines breaking in the winter time. So it's all a plus thing. I like the pond area because they can turn it into a pretty nice area if they build some decks around there. I was raised in the South Windsor area. So I know all about basement flooding. So I feel for these people. It's a hard thing, but I think if we can get rid of the water and I like the pond area because it's going to be easier on our ditches and our sewer system."
Susan Branov lives in Heritage Estates and says digging a pond in Heritage Park just isn't right.
"I'm not happy with it. There has to be another solution. I don't think that ruining the park is the answer. I understand that they need to make some changes, however, they shouldn't destroy the park land."
Proposed flooding solution for Heritage Estates and Oliver Farms in LaSalle (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
LaSalle's Director of Public Works, Peter Marra, says he's heard it all from residents.
"Certainly concerns with respect to the safety of a pond, what a pond looks like and certainly the loss of park land is valid. There is going to be loss of park land in some of the solutions. Certainly those who flooded are looking for a solution and some are very happy with the proposal and some are happy with the pond."
Council is expected to make a final decision on the project in mid-2017.
Residents can look at the plans and leave feedback on the town's website at www.lasalle.ca until January 20.