TRACK 2, DAY 1
Development and Application of Ottawa’s New Erosion Risk Assessment Methodology
Robin McKillop, SLR Consulting and Tim Yoon, City of Ottawa
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
The City of Ottawa manages watercourses as natural assets, recognizing the important role they play in the balanced conveyance of stormwater, sediment, and woody debris from lands within its jurisdiction. The City is therefore also responsible for managing risks associated with erosion and other fluvial processes
In order to ensure such risks are appropriately identified, monitored and evaluated, the City recently commissioned the development of a standardized methodology for assessing watercourse asset condition and identifying and evaluating risks associated with erosion and other fluvial processes.
This presentation provides an overview of the resulting two-part methodology and highlights key criteria in its development and intended application.
The first part of the methodology outlines a systematic and practical approach for identifying and characterizing site-specific erosion hazards, including their association with other fluvial processes, sub-assets and erosion control structures. It also enables evaluation of associated risks to features of municipal interest.
The second part of the methodology outlines how to evaluate overall watercourse asset condition, based on channel stability and any concentration of sites of importance, at a reach scale. An action-response plan is included to provide guidance for how to interpret and act on the results of the site- and reach-scale assessments, through monitoring, mitigation planning or emergency works.
Guidelines for this new methodology will ensure consistent application, prioritization of follow-up actions, and tracking of evolving risks across different watercourse settings by different consultants working on the City’s behalf.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Robin McKillop, SLR Consulting
Robin McKillop is SLR’s Principal Geomorphologist and Climate Resilience Lead. Robin has 24 years of experience developing innovative and practical strategies for addressing environmental challenges faced by municipalities, land developers and resource industries across Canada. Robin’s focus on applications of fluvial geomorphology in southern Ontario has greatly benefited from his complementary expertise in hillslope processes and glacial landforms.
Tim Yoon, City of Ottawa
Tim Yoon is the City of Ottawa’s Engineer for Natural Systems Assets within the Water Resources Engineering Unit. Tim specializes in integrating fluvial geomorphology, natural systems management, and infrastructure planning to support sustainable decision making across City owned lands within urbanized creek corridors.
With experience spanning floodplain mapping, erosion monitoring and analysis, and asset risk management, Tim develops practical strategies and builds strategic partnerships with stakeholders to guide long term municipal planning and resilience. His work is strengthened by a multidisciplinary background, including previous roles at conservation authorities.