State of emergency still in effect in northern communities
Some communities in northeastern Ontario remain under a state of emergency due to last Friday’s rain.
Municipal officials said they’ve maintained the status in the event more precipitation creates further problems — expensive ones they can’t afford to repair on their own.
According to Ontario’s flood map, the Far North district remains under a flood watch.
Communities such as Kashechewan, Moosonee, Moose Factory and Attawapiskat are advised to monitor river conditions due to ice breakup in major tributaries.
Meanwhile, smaller municipalities such as Charlton and Dack Township, two hours south of Timmins, remains under a state emergency because it’s still uncovering issues with deteriorating roads.
“It's pretty early to speculate on all the damages, but we're probably well over 200,000, if not upwards of 500,000 of repairs that we're looking at,” said Charlton and Dack Mayor Reeve Sandra Parkin.
Some communities in northeastern Ontario remain under a state of emergency due to last Friday’s rain. (File)
“And, you know, when we have about 280 homes that contribute to our tax levy, that’s a huge portion of our annual budget, right? We just do not have the funds to bear that burden.”
Parkin said residents are being asked to limit their trips and do whatever they can to reduce the load on the roads and report any problem areas they see.
More rain ahead
In nearby Kirkland Lake, the state of emergency also remains in effect. While flooding no longer exists, the problems it created must be addressed, including bodies of water that are higher than normal and there’s more rain in the forecast.
Mayor Stacy Wight says her MPP was able to connect her with the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“So I was able to advocate on all of our behalf,” Wight said.
“I think we drove the issue that our infrastructure is in desperate need of more provincial funding, as well as smaller communities in the north simply cannot tax our way to current infrastructure. So definitely I advocated for throughout the north of our communities, possibly receiving more funding.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Wight is asking anyone who has video or photos of last week’s flooding to contact the town’s fire hall. She said they will help with their disaster funding claim.
Municipal officials said while this is an unusual situation, it’s been beautiful to see neighbours checking in on one another and helping each other.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.