Residents’ Mill Creek Drain concerns resolved

Steve McCulloch and Sandy Golding had some serious concerns about the Mill Creek Drain repair project, but those concerns were recently put to rest in a meeting with Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel and Drainage Superintendent Eric Leroux.

Work crews from contractors are currently undertaking the project to clean out the waterway, which is estimated to cost around $2.3 million. The drain and drainage area affects more than 17,000 acres, 2,100 properties, and more than 500 landowners. The project is authorized by Champlain Township under the provincial Drainage Act. Each landowner is required to contribute financially to the cost of the project based on how much of the drain flows through their property and the estimated benefit it has to their property. McCulloch and Golding’s property is on the south side of County Road 17 near L’Orignal where the drain passes under the road.

Recently, Golding saw workers on the property and was alarmed by their unannounced presence. They told Golding all of the trees would be removed and the entire bank replaced with stone. McCulloch and Golding both enjoy the privacy of their backyard and the nature the creek and woods attract to their property.