Flooding may exceed 2017 levels

Mabel Kleinsteuber Launch on County Rd 12 one of several closed in the County due to high water

May 2, 2017 The water was at its peak over County Road 28 which was the old Picton highway in Amelisburgh Ward. – John Ferguson photo

UPDATE:

The municipality reports water levels on Lake Ontario have now reached the record levels set in 2017. Water levels will continue to rise and are expected to reach their peak within one-three weeks.

“We are facing high water levels on Lake Ontario for the foreseeable future. People need to take appropriate action to protect their residences,” said Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Sand and sandbags are available at locations throughout the municipality. The municipal emergency control group is meeting on a regular basis to receive updates from Quinte Conservation, and we continue to monitor the situation.”

In 2017 the County of Prince Edward declared an emergency in response to high water levels on Lake Ontario. After careful consideration, the mayor has opted not to declare an emergency at this time.

“Two years ago, the water levels rose much more quickly. This year, we have had more time to prepare and we have drawn on the lessons learned from 2017 to develop our response,” Ferguson said. “We are confident that we can deliver all municipal services without setting aside policies and procedures as allowed when an emergency is declared.

“Furthermore, residents can access support through the Red Cross or file an insurance claim without the municipality declaring an emergency.”

* * *

MAY 30 – With continued rain in the forecast and record inflows from Lake Erie the Lake Ontario water levels are expected to rise gradually and reach or slightly exceed those of 2017 within the coming week.

“We are reviewing weather and flood forecasts and monitoring flood-prone areas and roadways,” said Prince Edward County Mayor

May 29, 2019 County Road 28 beginning to flood. – John Ferguson photo

Steve Ferguson. “Given the strong possibility water will reach and exceed 2017 levels, we are currently preparing contingency plans to ensure public safety and maintain road access in low-lying areas.”

Lake Ontario is expected to reach its seasonal peak this year within the next one to two weeks, with most scenarios projecting a peak level slightly above the 2017 high, before it begins to slowly decline.

“We strongly encourage residents to take measures to protect their primary residences if they are at risk of flooding,” said Ferguson. “And in keeping with the spirit of the County, please help out your neighbours and chip in where you can by helping fill sandbags or build a wall.”

The municipality is offering sand and sandbags at no cost to residents whose primary residence is at risk of flooding. Sandbags are not intended to protect shorelines or accessory buildings. The municipality asks that residents be respectful of their neighbours when picking up supplies and only sandbag if their home is at risk of flooding.

The sandbags are self-serve, and residents must bring their own shovels to fill bags. Residents must fill out the number of sandbags they have picked up and the civic address where they will be used.

Sand and sandbags are located at:
Waupoos Community Centre, 2699 County Road 8 in North Marysburgh
South Marysburgh Fire Hall, 3076 County Road 10
Hiscock Shores Road cul-de-sac in Ameliasburgh
Sunrise Drive cul-de-sac in Ameliasburgh
35 County Road 14 in Sophiasburgh
15 Coleman Street in Ameliasburgh
75 County Road 1 in Hallowell (Sandy Hook Dome)
Wellington and District Community Centre, 111 Belleville Street in Wellington
Mariners’ Park Museum (Intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 13)
21651 Loyalist Parkway in Carrying Place
Consecon Fire Station (14 County Road 29)
Bay Bridge Jeans parking lot (5567 Highway 62)

Read more about building a safe sandbag wall or watch this video:

For residents physically unable to fill their own sandbags, The County is offering a limited number of pre-filled bags for pick-up in Picton at the soccer field parking lot across from Prince Edward Collegiate Institute on Johnson Street.

Water over roadways
Water is over portions of the roadway on Winns Drive, Wesley Acres Road, and County Road 28. The roads remain open at this time, with signs in place to alert drivers. When travelling along these roads, drivers are reminded to exercise caution.

Boat launches closed
The following municipal boat launches are closed as a result of the high water levels:
Big Island
Weller’s Bay – Edward Drive
Mabel Kleinsteuber Launch – County Rd 12
Wellington Beach

High winds and waves can lead to shoreline erosion when lake levels are elevated. Boaters are asked to minimize their wake when passing shorelines.

For more information on dealing with a well or cistern water supply during a flood, visit the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health website. If you have questions about drinking water, please contact Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health at 613.966.5500 or 1.800.267.2803 extension 677.

Residents are encouraged to discuss with their septic contractor whether to pump their septic tanks during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping could cause the tank to float out of the ground and damage the inlet and outlet pipes.

In addition, do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field’s ability to treat waste water and lead to system failure.

The Canadian Red Cross has announced financial assistance for households in affected communities in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick directly impacted by spring flooding. Affected households may receive $600 to help meet their immediate needs.

To receive this assistance, impacted households first need to be registered with the Red Cross so that individual assessments of needs can be completed. People can register by calling 1.800.863.6582 or online at www.redcross.ca/gethelp. People only need to register once for their household. Full details of assistance available can be found at www.redcross.ca/gethelp.

To report flooding on your property, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 ext. 1023, 613.962.9108 ext. 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca