Municipal leaders are taking the time to thank everyone who helped out during the flooding this year. Officials at the County of Renfrew have provided an overview of events leading up to where we are now. The first watershed condition statement was issued on March 29th as significant rainfall was in the forecast with temperatures between zero and ten degrees. At this time the snowpack contained a considerable amount of water in the range of 100-200mm. The statement warned that ongoing melt with the forecasted rain could cause elevated water levels and flooding in these areas.
By the Easter long weekend (April 19th-22nd) rising temperatures and rain caused sudden washouts, flash flooding, road closures and many residents to be cut off from assistance. This storm caused runoff and melt initially flooding the Muskrat Lake and threatening Highway 132 in Dacre. All rivers across the Ottawa Valley including the Madawaska, Bonnechere, Petawawa, Indian and Muskrat crested, eventually affecting the Ottawa River. Daily calls about water levels started on April 25th. The following day three municipalities in Renfrew County had already declared a state of emergency. The County of Renfrew emergency control group was activated and on the 28th of April all of Renfrew County was under a state of emergency. Transport Canada issued a ban on all non-essential marine traffic along the Ottawa River which remained in place until May 30th.
The County of Renfrew partnered with the Canadian Armed Forces, reserve units, the Canadian Coast Guard, firefighters from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Renfrew County District Health Unit, the Candian Red Cross, Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and several non-profit groups including Mennonite Disaster Relief and Team Rubicon to assist during the spring flooding. During the flood response the County of Renfrew deployed community paramedics, Sierra team members and management staff to provide over 1,800 wellness checks, responses and evacuations. To accomplish this the paramedic service increased staff hours by roughly 2,000 and travelled upwards of 25,000km. Paramedics assisted with sandbagging coordination, delivery of food, water and medication and helped staff wellness centres with Social Services and the health unit.
Following a month of flood response the County of Renfrew emergency declaration was terminated on June 3rd. Warden Jennifer Murphy says we continue to be there supporting those with recovery efforts across the county. She says it goes to show how resilient and dedicated the community is seeing everyone come together. The Warden of Renfrew County had a long list of thanks for everyone who assisted those in need during the flooding of 2019. Murphy says they continue to shift efforts from flood response to flood recovery. The emergency services department would like to everyone involved for their overwhelming support during the tragic events. It’s a statement that’s been echoed in council chambers across the valley as the efforts of all the individuals and communities
Pembroke Mayor, Mike LeMay, took the time to thank all those involved including the local businesses such as Moncion Metro, M&R Feeds, Home Depot, Joes Family Pizzeria, Algonquin College faculty and students, the Pembroke Horticultural Society, Renfrew County Homebuilders Association, Mike Brunet and super volunteer Fred Blackstein. He also wanted to thank the local high schools for volunteering their time with sandbagging efforts. As a sign of appreciation for all the support, the city will be hosting a community barbecue in mid-August. More details will be shared soon. LeMay says there are many who have helped during this year’s flooding that may be nameless, but who are no less appreciated.
