The preferred option to prevent future flooding of Jackson Creek is to construct a diversion sewer to take flows out to the Otonabee River, said the study’s senior engineer.

A diversion sewer would have the least environmental impact, is the lowest cost of all the alternatives and is the easiest to implement, said Steve Hollingworth, senior water resources engineer for Aecom, the consulting firm hired by the city.

The initial cost estimate is $6.5 million, he said.

“This is by no means a simple job,” Hollingworth said. “This is a massive infrastructure project, but it’s easier than other options.”

About 40 people attended the open house at the Holiday Inn last night to hear the possible solutions presented in the preliminary Jackson Creek Flood Reduction Study.

“That was an excellent presentation,” said Bruce Lister of Hunter St. at the end of the presentation. “I agree with the preferred option. This is a top priority issue for Peterborough.”

Dan Ward, flood reduction program manager with the city, said the Jackson Creek watershed is one of the largest studies in the city’s ongoing flood reduction master plan in the wake of the 2002 and 2004 floods.

The watershed affects the downtown core and the area north of Parkhill Rd. and homes located near Chemong Rd.

Glenn Carder of McDonnel St., who recently bought a house that backs onto Jackson Creek, says he holds his breath every time it rains.

“It was one of the houses that got flooded,” he said. “It’s a beautiful home and I couldn’t resist buying it, but I freak out every time it rains.”

With the 2004 flood still fresh in people’s minds, utility services director Wayne Jackson said it’s important to the community that the city begin implementing the recommendations as soon as possible.

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“I thought they did a good job tonight,” he said. “I understand when people get frustrated. We really want to see it get implemented as well.

“But this is a lot of money in tax dollars to spend at once, so it’s important it’s done right.”

While the work is being done, Jackson said the city plans to do other infrastructure improvements along the way, such as fixing roads and sewers.

Although a timeline for the project has yet to be established, Ward estimates the project would take 15 to 20 years to complete.

Coun. Shirley Eggleton said she was impressed with the presentation.

“It looks like they’re on the right track,” she said.

Ward said the Jackson Creek Flood Reduction Study cost about $375,000.

People can continue to voice their concerns and share ideas with officials.

The deadline for feedback will be in about three weeks, Hollingworth said.

The final report will be released in the spring, he said.

“This is very important because you can’t predict when a flood is going to happen,” Hollingworth said.

The July 2004 flood caused about $100 million in damage to private and public property.

The downtown core was particularly hard hit by the flood.