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Localized flooding predicted due to rising rivers and streams

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UPDATE: The flood warning has been lifted. A flood watch remains in effect. Details: https://goo.gl/UXpPbM

The Town of St. Marys is urging residents to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stormwater management structures following a flood warning from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).

In a media release issued on Monday, February 20, UTRCA reported that rivers and streams are rising quickly across the Upper Thames watershed as a result of overnight rain and snow. According to the release, the watershed has already received an average of 20 mm of rain, with an additional 20 mm to 40 mm forecasted over the next 36 hours.

Similar weather conditions have caused flooding in St. Marys in the past, especially in the following areas: Thomas Street between Park and Queen Street; Parkview Drive; and the St. Marys Golf & Country Club.

As a preliminary precaution, the Town has closed or restricted access to the following areas:

  • The ring road and Loop Trail entrance at Milt Dunnell Field (The Flats)
  • The Mill Race island
  • The Riverview Walkway from the tennis courts to Park Street and from Queen Street to Water Street
  • The Loop Trail entrances on St. George Street and Widder Street

No other roads, trails or municipal services are being impacted at this time.

The Town has also made sand available to residents who would like to bag it and use it to protect their home or business. The sand is free and can be found behind the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James Street South), near the Leaf and Yard Waste drop-off depot.

The Town’s Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services, Richard Anderson, is monitoring the situation in St. Marys on an hourly basis. “We are coordinating with the Public Works Department, UTRCA and other partners to ensure we take all appropriate actions should major flooding occur,” said Anderson.

In the meantime, UTRCA is reminding residents to keep children and pets away from watercourses during this weather event. “Stream banks are very slippery, the water is fast-moving, cold and dangerous, and any remaining ice cover is unstable and thin,” notes UTRCA’s media release. “Do not go on frozen flood control reservoirs.”

Updates about the situation will be provided through the Town’s website (townofstmarys.com), Facebook page (facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter account (twitter.com/townofstmarys). Questions or concerns about flooded roadways in St. Marys can be directed to the Town’s Public Works Department at 519-284-2340, ext. 213 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or 1-866-750-8220 after hours.

ATTACHED: UTRCA Media Release - “Conservation Authority Expects Localized Flooding as Rivers and Streams Rise”

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Contact

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca

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