Lower Trent Conservation is celebrating its 50th anniversary! To commemorate this milestone occasion, we have released our ’50 in 50′ historical blog series. This special series features 50 articles highlighting some of the achievements, milestones and events of the past 50 years. We hope you enjoy them!
In 1990, Lower Trent Conservation completed field surveys of flood prone structures located along the Trent River. This project, initiated in 1989, was aimed at reducing flood damages along the Trent River between Hastings and Trenton.

The need for the surveys was identified through a 1987 study, which was completed following the major floods of 1980 and 1981. Several damage centres were surveyed, plotting the elevation contours, flood line, and buildings. Surveys were completed for Frankford, Sills Island, Sullivan’s Hill, Glen Ross, Wilson Island, Green Acres, Percy Boom, Campbellford, the hamlet of Trent River, and the Village of Hastings.

The surveys were originally scheduled to be completed by a consultant. However, the Conservation Authority decided to rent Total Station survey equipment and purchase a Computer Aided Drafting and Design system. Staff were trained to use this technical equipment, providing a knowledge base for future projects.
The data collected through this project has been useful over the years, both in implementing our flood plain regulations and in identifying risks to property and lives in these flood prone areas.

Today, our Geographic Information System is used to create maps, layering, imagery, contours, elevations, and flood lines to implement our regulations and assess flood risk potential.