The township of Whitewater Region has declared a state of emergency due to the rising water levels on the Ottawa River. Mayor Neil Nicholson says that water levels pose an ongoing threat as they have exceeded the 2017 water levels and are currently forecasted to rise close to the historic levels seen in 2019. Additionally, sand and sandbags have been made available at certain key locations throughout the Township. The Township is monitoring the situation closely and will provide additional information as it becomes available and will commence daily updates through the Township’s website and Facebook page.
Mayor Nicholson has corresponded with MPP John Yakabuski, MP Cheryl Gallant and Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon. We will continue to share information with
these organizations and will request resources as needed.
Mitigation Measures:
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary action to protect and secure property that is in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages. The Township Fire Department will be commencing mass sandbags filling at the Westmeath Public Works Garage located at 1798 Westmeath Road this evening. Residents may collect the filled sandbags as required. The Township will be requesting additional support from volunteers in the coming days. Additionally, sand and sandbags have been made available at certain key locations throughout the Township.
Information Gathering:
Flood resource information, current MNRF bulletins and Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board press releases can be found on the Township’s website or the
following links:
Ontario River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB)
– www.ottawariver.ca/
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
– www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/flood-forecasting-andwarning-program/#ontarioFloodMap
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
– www.opg.com/powering-ontario/our-generation/hydro/river-system-data/
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU)
– www.rcdhu.com/
44 Main Street, P.O. Box 40, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 Phone: 613-646-2282 Fax: 613-646-2283
www.whitewaterregion.ca
Municipal 511
– www.municipal511.ca/
The Township can be contacted at 613-646-2282 (Option 0) on Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and after-hours emergency at 613-646-2282.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)
