By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg is hosting an event to educate and empower citizens on an issue that concerns so many people in so many ways – flooding and erosion mitigation.

A Flood and Erosion Mitigation Symposium is set for March 21 at the Cobourg Community Centre, featuring flooding- and erosion-mitigation strategies that can be retroactively implemented.

Cobourg Emergency Planner Shannon Murphy shared some thoughts on how this issue threatens both private property and public infrastructure every year – from shoreline erosion at Monk's Cove to threats to electrical equipment at the marina.

“Last year, many citizens expressed their concerns in respect to rising water levels, flooded properties and shoreline erosion,” Murphy said.

“We hope to empower and educate those who may be affected by flooding.”

Murphy will lead the symposium, which will involve a trade show, presentations and innovative product demonstrations on flood emergency management, preparedness and protection. Federal, provincial and municipal staff and representatives from several outside agencies will also be present to share information about flood preparation and erosion mitigation.

All citizens throughout Northumberland County – whether affected by flooding directly and indirectly – are encouraged to attend this free event to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in flood-emergency management, as well as what they can do to protect their own property.

The Cobourg Community Centre is located at 750 D'Arcy St., and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome - to register, visit www.cobourgflood.eventbrite.ca.