Harrington Avenue debris‑rack redesign and floodplain expansion approved for CDBG‑DR application

The Barrie City Council on Sept. 24 approved including a Harrington Avenue floodplain expansion and debris‑rack redesign project in the city’s CDBG‑DR package. Staff described the project as an expansion of floodplain along Harrington Avenue and a redesign of the debris rack so that water remains in the channel while debris is captured, which staff said will prevent the rack from directing floodwater into neighborhoods. The project includes acquisition of several properties at the end of Harrington Avenue to accommodate the expanded floodplain. Councilors asked whether widening the floodplain could create constriction downstream; staff explained the project is intended to slow and spread water where practical, reducing peak flow and providing space for debris capture rather than forcing higher flows through smaller openings. Consultants previously worked with the city on hydrologic modeling for similar river‑process projects, staff said, and the Harrington Avenue project was well‑received in the state review comments. The council voted to include the project in the CDBG‑DR application.