State of emergency still in effect in northeastern communities
Some communities in northeastern Ontario remain under a state of emergency due to recent rain and flooding.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Ontario Flood Map as of 7:28 a.m. on April 21, 2024. (Supplied/Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
The Municipality of Charlton and Dack and the Township of Chamberlain – smaller communities two hours south of Timmins – are continuing their state of emergency.
“This allows the municipalities to acquire and deploy the necessary resources to support emergency management and protect the health and safety of its residents,” said municipal officials in a news release late Saturday.
According to Ontario’s flood map, the Far North district remains under a flood watch and the Cochrane region has a watershed statement in effect.
“We are pleased to announce that no residents are left ‘land locked,’” reads the news release.
"After a herculean effort from the combined public works of Charlton and Dack and Chamberlain along with Evanturel public works and contractors, we were able to establish a temporary access on Harman’s Road.”
Officials said the access is for residents and emergency services only – the road remains closed to the public with the closure expected to last several months.
Cabin Road in Charlton and Dack also remains closed to the public as are Aidie Creek Road and Marsh Road in Chamberlain Township.
“Residents who must use these roads to access their homes are exempt,” said the municipalities.
“However, drivers should use caution, limit trips and limit the weight of vehicles.”
Officials from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing are expected to be in the area this week to assess the damage.
In a previous interview with CTV News, Charlton and Dack Mayor Reeve Parkin the cost of repairs could exceed $500,000. Chamberlain Township staff said their municipality’s damages “could be in excess of $100,000,” in the news release.
Municipal staff in Charlton and Dack along with are asking residents to visit the municipality’s website or Facebook page to log any concerns they have.
Officials with Charlton and Dack and Chamberlain say if issues arise, residents are encouraged to contact their municipal offices.
“We continue to encourage residents to monitor their homes and to assist neighbours if required,” said officials.
“For any emergencies call 911.”
Kirkland Lake also declared a state of emergency following the rain on April 12.
With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Lydia Chubak
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP
A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.