THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is responding to the flood emergency by setting up a short-term reception centre at the Neebing Arena and closing the following facilities as of 5 pm today: the Canada Games Complex, Churchill and Volunteer Pools, the 55 Plus Centre and the West Thunder Community Centre.
The short-term reception centre has been set up for people whose homes are affected by flooding, if required, through the efforts of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
The Neebing Arena is not on the City’s sanitation system and will not add water to the amount being pumped out of the City’s Atlantic Avenue Secondary Sewage Treatment Plant. A staging area for people who need transportation to the Neebing Arena is being set up at the Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Avenue, and residents are encouraged to call 211 for more information about the reception centre.
The City has implemented a contingency strategy which includes an assessment at the Secondary Sewage Treatment Plant. The City is unable to confirm timelines for completion of the assessment and remedial action.
The City is also dealing with the following road closures:
- North 25th Side Rd. from Arthur Street to the north end
- Mission Marsh Rd.
- Kline Rd. extension (also known as Little Kline Rd.), to the end
- Highway 130 from Oliver Rd. to Pole Line Rd.
- Oliver Rd. from Mapleward Rd. to Townline Rd.
Residents are asked to follow the following recommendations:
- Check on friends and relatives who may need assistance and particularly seniors and persons with disabilities to make sure they are in good health;
- Minimize the amount of water that is flushed or released down the drain until further notice. City tap water is safe to drink [However, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit recommends those on private well water should bring the well water to a rolling boil for one minute before consumption];
- Exercise caution when traveling in the area of waterways;
- Stay out of the basement if it is flooded, especially if water has risen as high as electrical outlets and advise Thunder Bay Hydro at 343-1111;
- Do not consume food that is wet due to flooding and follow the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s recommendations for food safety during a power outage. Visit www.TBDHU.com.
Important contact numbers:
- Thunder Bay Hydro – 343-1111 or after hours 343-1002 – for electrical problems or concerns
- Infrastructure & Operations – 625-2195 – to report flooding or for questions or concerns about City roads and other City infrastructure
- Ministry of Transportation – 511 – for information about provincially-owned highways
- 211 for general information and details on reception centre
- 911 should only be called if there is an emergency