THUNDER BAY – The weather map is clear of alerts this morning. That should over the coming days reduce the danger from flooding across parts of Northwestern Ontario.
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in areas close to the Minnesota border in Northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources is coordinating with local officials to provide any support that might be necessary such as with sandbagging and other flood defence measures.
Declared Emergencies
Fort Frances
Rainy River
Couchiching First Nation
Township of Emo
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation
For many communities there are dangers from roadways that are underwater. On Thursday, Highway 105 north of Vermilion Bay was closed at Buller Creek, and traffic detoured to get around the flooded section of highway.
The Town of Fort Frances would like to advise all residents of Fort Frances that the threat of the continually rising water levels within the Rainy Lake and Rainy River is very real. The Town of Fort Frances is continuing to monitor the water levels and has begun the process of implementing precautionary measures to ensure that property, human life and critical infrastructure is maintained.
Should anyone wish to assist the Town with sandbagging operations or to volunteer their time in any capacity, please contact 274-1818 and leave a message with your name, address, telephone number and availability and someone will contact you.
The Town of Fort Frances would like to ensure that all residents have begun implementing their own precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their own properties in the event flooding does take place.
A reminder again to anyone boating on the Rainy Lake, please continue to take precautions to avoid debris that is floating in the water. There has been a significant amount of debris observed in the lake and we want to ensure the safety of all water users. The Government Dock is still a potential
hazard.
Operations & Facilities Crews are continuing to work feverishly to repair thenumerous sinkholes, water & sewer breaks that are all happening in all areasof Town. We are continuing to ask the public to stay away from these areas. This will help to provide a safer environment for everyone.
In Couchiching First Nation and Mitaanjigamiing First Nation flooding has states of emergency declared, Fort Frances and Rainy River as well as the Township of Emo are also under states of emergency.
Residents are being asked to reduce water usage, and reduce the load on the community’s water treatment facilities.
