THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is on alert, monitoring for city-wide flooding risks, and ready to deploy pumping equipment and staff resources following this afternoon’s new Flood Watch Warning issued by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority.
“The City and its emergency partners have activated contingency plans to be in a state of readiness,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs on Monday after a 4 pm Emergency Operations Control group meeting was called to discuss the Flood Watch Warning including an update from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority.
During the rain storms, workers will monitor the sewer system as well as other infrastructure such as roads, bridges and trails, said Darrell Matson, General Manager – Infrastructure & Operations. “Depending on the specific locations affected, anticipated heavy rainfall could put added strain on the Water Pollution Control Plant. The Plant continues to be staffed 24 hours a day to monitor the situation.”
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is reminding residents to exercise caution in and around area waterways. Items stored near stream banks should be moved to higher ground. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways.
Anyone in need of flood assistance or offering flood assistance can call 98 FLOOD (983-5663).Tbaytel is offering free calling to 98 FLOOD (983-5663) from its Millennium Pay Phones within the city. These pay phones are the units with the scrolling displays. To place a call to 98 FLOOD (983-5663), a customer does not have to deposit coins but if one does the coins will be returned.
The Emergency Operations Control (EOC) group will meet Tuesday morning and a media conference will be held at noon.
The EOC is comprised of senior officials responsible for managing an emergency including the Mayor as Head of Council, and the following partners: The City of Thunder Bay, The Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Service, The Thunder Bay Police Service, Superior North Emergency Medical Service, The Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, The Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Ontario’s North West Local Health Integration Network, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Tbaytel, Thunder Bay Hydro, the Province of Ontario and Emergency Measures Ontario.