An update on the state of emergency declared in Mattawa.

Town officials say flooding conditions improved overnight, but levels are still expected to rise another 30 to 40 cm during the course of this emergency event.

The state of emergency was declared after word was received that two feet of water was going to be released by the Otto Holden Dam.

Doreen Hay tells BayToday she’s lived in her home near the banks of the Mattawa River for 10 years.

“This is the first time I have ever seen this happen,” she says. “At just about 4:15 yesterday afternoon there was nothing, by 5 p.m. it was flooded out here. My garbage bin on the side over there was floating in water with my recycling.”

Town officials advise property owners in low lying areas by the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers to consider and be prepared for possible evacuation.

They also say Mattawan Street from Main to Sid Turcotte Park Road and Timmins Street remain closed.

Nicole Grigorov with Mattawa River Resort tells BayToday they’re offering up their cottages for those in need of higher ground.

She says it’s just common sense to her.

“It is the right thing to do. We don’t have any people staying until the May 24th weekend so it is a place to come and be safe, be warm and have electricity then so be it,” Grigorov says.

Town officials advise:

  • Residents in need of sand bag support can call the municipal office at 705-744-5611
  • A sand bag return location will be prepared and advised of once the emergency situation has stabilized.

The Mayor said displaced residents can go the Mattawa Legion located at 360 Hurdman Street which will be open all day long to serve food and refreshments.

The Mattawa-North Bay Algonquin First Nation Office will serve dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Madadjiwan Cultural Centre located at 318 Main Street which is extended to all employees of the municipality, including the Fire Department, other emergency services, affected residents and all volunteers who are assisting the Mattawa residents.

Town officials will be working with the Province of Ontario on Disaster Recovery Assistance for residents of the municipality.

If activated by the province, the Disaster Recovery Program could help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property for individuals (primary residence), small owner-operated businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine level of coverage.

For more information on flooding, call the municipal office at 705-744-5611. For Emergency Services call: 911

On Monday, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry announced the flood warning in the North Bay District is being extended until Friday.

 

Photo courtesy @OPP_NER

Filed under: flooding, state of emergency, town-of-mattawa