The state of emergency in Whitewater Region has ended. On Thursday July 4th Mayor Michael Moore terminated the local state of emergency that has been in effect since April 26th. Council has adopted two resolutions in regards to the flooding. One calls for a public inquiry by the provincial and federal governments about water levels on the Ottawa River. The second requests the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing to activate the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program for the Township’s expenses associated with the emergency. Roughly 260 properties were impacted by flooding this year with 19 families still unable to return home to this date.
Flood debris continues to be accepted at no charge at the landfill at 990 Kohlsmith Road during regular hours of operation (Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Sandbags are also accepted at the landfill and can also be deposited at the location where they were picked up or the Westmeath Garage.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing will be holding a session to assist those applying to the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program on Tuesday, July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Westmeath Community Centre. Additional sessions will be occurring in Eganville (Eagle’s Nest on July 23rd at 3 p.m.), Laurentian Valley (Shady Nook Hall on July 24th at 3 p.m.) and Horton (Community Centre on July 24th at 6:30 p.m.).
The township says emergency repairs are now completed to impacted municipal roads to ensure access. Engineers are preparing plans to complete reconstruction. Whitewater Region remains in recovery mode.
