Cold temperatures have offered a temporary reprieve, but flooding is anticipated to get worse in certain areas as northern snow melts and makes its way through Greater Sudbury
Mayor Paul Lefebvre declared a state of emergency at mid-day April 21 due to ongoing flooding and the possibility of coming floods “to levels we have never seen before.”
During a media conference at Tom Davies Square during the early afternoon, Lefebvre said declaring a state of emergency “is about planning and preparedness as conditions continue to change.”
He also clarified that the declaration is “a precautionary measure.”
“It ensures we are ready in the event localized evacuations become necessary,” Lefebvre said. “It allows us to mobilize the right resources and supports quickly to help residents leave their homes safely and access secure locations.”
A state of emergency also helps support volunteers “who play an important role in times like these” and who have already been busy helping residents in need via such activities as sandbagging.
“I want to thank all residents who are supporting one another and ask that you continue to look out for your neighbours,” Lefebvre said.
A state of emergency can also streamline decision making and “access to certain areas and restrict entry where necessary to protect residents and ensure emergency operations can take place.”
Conditions “may change quite rapidly, particularly as warmer temperatures approach,” Lefebvre said, urging residents to continue looking out for each other.
Floodwaters have dissipated in various areas due to colder temperatures in the last couple of days, with Ward 3 Coun. Michel Brabant noting that the previously flooded-over Belanger Street in Chelmsford was largely clear of water by the morning of April 21.
This could change in the coming days, Conservation Sudbury general manager Carl Jorgensen said, noting that people should count on water levels to increase.
In certain areas, like the Whitson River system, water shouldn’t rise quite as much as along the Vermillion and Onaping systems, which are part of a larger northern watershed which still has approximately 180 mm of water equivalent in snow yet to melt. This is anticipated to flow south through the Vermillion system and potentially backflow into Junction Creek.
Conservation Sudbury will continue to post updated flood forecasts on their website, available by clicking here.
States of emergency have also been declared in other area municipalities, including West Nipissing and Central Manitoulin.
Update: Sudbury.com published another story out of the April 21 media conference which better highlights the lingering flood threat, available by clicking here.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.