As part of the Island Street Storm Sewer Improvement Project, an aquatic and terrestrial habitat assessment in the area of the outlet is planned for the week of July 9.

Consultant staff retained by the Town will be on-site to review and document habitat conditions in the area, including visual assessment of plant species and ecological areas within the vicinity of the outlet channel, and fish community sampling using a backpack electrofisher and seine netting within the outlet channel.

During the habitat assessment, for public safety, public access to the outlet will be restricted for approximately two hours while electrofishing equipment is in operation.

“We’re asking the public to avoid the assessment site, which will be roped off, during the week of July 9. It’s not expected this will be a long closure, or restriction, but for the safety of the public, we ask residents and visitors to avoid the west end of Island Street in Southampton,” said Adam Stanley, Manager of Environmental Services with the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Electrofishing is a common scientific survey method used to sample fish populations, which uses direct current (DC) electricity in the water. The electricity affects the movement of the fish so that they swim towards the electrofishing equipment where they can be captured and surveyed. When performed correctly by qualified assessors, fish are not permanently harmed and quickly return to their natural state after being caught.

The Island Street Storm Sewer Outlet Improvement Project is a capital project which commenced in 2017. To date, the project has been funded through monies received from the MOECC, an RBC Blue Water Project Grant and through the 2017 Capital Budget. The Consultant is currently working through the second phase of the project scope which is expected to produce enough background information to allow the Town to determine alternatives to proceed with making improvements to the Island Street Storm Sewer Outlet.