Kirkland Lake state of emergency, flooding update
The state of emergency remains in effect in Kirkland Lake following the heavy rainfall in the region on Friday, which caused the overflow of Murdoch Creek and Rand Creek along with a surcharge of the town’s sanitary system which prompted the emergency declaration.
A viewer photo submitted on April 12, 2024 showing the high water levels and flooding in Kirkland Lake, Ont. (Supplied/Cherie Duffield)
“Municipal staff worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas,” said town officials in an update Sunday afternoon.
“They also responded promptly to deteriorating road conditions exacerbated by the snowfall on Saturday night.”
Officials said the state of emergency will continue primarily due to the sanitary system surcharging directly at the wastewater treatment plant.
“Despite the anticipation of relatively small amounts of additional rainfall today, municipal staff remain vigilant in monitoring road conditions and homeowner situations,” reads the update.
“At present, no further concerns are anticipated.”
Several other nearby municipalities have also declared a state of emergency.
The Town of Kirkland Lake is continuing to provide sandbags to those affected by the flooding who require them – they can be picked up at 105 Government Road West.
“The flooding event can make local water bodies dangerous,” said the town on social media.
“Please exercise extreme caution when near creeks, rivers and lakes.”
Local roads re-opened
Officials said that all municipal roads – except Allen Avenue south of Fifth Street – have reopened and it is expected the last road will reopen by 7 a.m. on Monday.
Coming together
“Throughout this challenging period, the collaborative efforts of neighbors, volunteers, and businesses have greatly complemented the work of municipal staff and emergency responders,” said the town Sunday.
“This collective endeavor significantly contributed to managing the situation and providing assistance where needed.”
The town advised that throughout Friday into Saturday affected residents received support from the fire department, which ensured those who needed assistance were accommodated.
Town Mayor Stacy Wright told CTV News in an interview earlier this weekend that fire officials were going door-to-door to check on people in the affected area.
An undated photo of Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wright. (Supplied/Town of Kirkland Lake)
Municipal Services
Residents may experience irregular or temporary service disruption at the municipal level in the coming week as town staff who were responding to flooding emergencies over the weekend take an opportunity to re-energize – including those who were or continue to be impacted by the flooding themselves.
“Town council, administration and staff thank the public for their patience during this period of inconvenience,” said town officials.
The process for disposal of household debris from the flood event will be communicated on Monday, said the town.
With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Ian Campbell
A map of the flooding in the Town of Kirkland Lake as of April 12, 2024. (Supplied/Town of Kirkland Lake)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at USC comply with school order to leave their encampment
Protesters left a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California early Sunday after they were surrounded by police and told they could face arrest if they didn’t go.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.