Despite the return of cold weather, flooding continues to be a problem in some communities.
Al Landry started sand bagging his Ramara home a couple days ago. Despite being proactive to protect his house, water from the Black River still found a way in.
“Just in the crawlspace,” he says. “Forced me to go out and buy a pump. It was something we had hoped we never had to do.”
Ramara Township had record flooding back in 2013, and while officials don’t foresee it getting that bad, new snow is becoming a concern.
“The snow is not going to help,” says Ramara’s fire prevention officer Tony Stong. “At some point it melts and comes through the system.”
Many have already been forced out of their homes by flood waters. As the river swells, township officials say more should prepare to leave.
“When it exceeds its banks, it makes the dam run backwards into Lake St. John and unfortunately fills the lake which was already at capacity.”
Flooding peaks in Huntsville
The Town of Huntsville says water levels are slowly declining in the downtown core.
However, a flood warning remains in effect due to high water levels. Residents in low-lying areas are asked to continue taking precautionary measures.
Some roads remain closed and residents can get updated information on the town’s website.
State of emergency remains
A state of emergency is expected to last until at least Tuesday afternoon in the community of Chatsworth.
In Williamsford, 16 homes and two businesses have been flooded. A number of roads and bridges also remain closed.
Township officials say the North Saugeen River is at its highest level in 28 years.
Mayor Bob Pringle says provincial officials will be touring the area on Tuesday to determine if the community may qualify for disaster relief.
