Town provides update following localized flood warning

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

Water levels remain high in area streams and rivers

The Town of St. Marys is providing an update on the condition of local watercourses following a flood warning that was issued yesterday by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).

Heavy rains and mild temperatures on Monday and Tuesday resulted in St. Marys experiencing the highest volume of water on UTRCA's record since 1948. Fortunately, operations at the Wildwood Dam and Trout Creek Reservoir reduced peak flows through Town and the floodwall was not overtopped.

According the UTRCA, another 5 to 15 mm of rain fell this morning in the Upper Thames watershed. As a result, streams and rivers remain high in many areas, including St. Marys. Both the Town and UTRCA are urging residents to exercise extreme caution near these and all other watercourses, and to keep children and pets away.

“Flooding watercourses are attracting attention and it is important that people not put themselves in danger,” notes UTRCA’s media release. “Do not go into standing water. Please respect road closures and barriers.”

One area in St. Marys that has been heavily impacted by flooding is Milt Dunnell Field, also known as the Flats. The park’s ring road and trail entrances have been closed since yesterday. Town crews were deployed this morning to pump water out of the flooded field and back into the nearby Thames River. The work was a collaborative effort, with local businesses and community partners pitching in.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank McLean Taylor Construction, Forman Electric, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and all Town of St. Marys staff for their assistance,” said Jed Kelly, Director of Public Works. “It’s great to see the community come together in situations like these.”

The closures at Milt Dunnell Field are expected to remain in place for several days. Others areas that are still closed or restricted include:

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

The Town is still offering loose sand and sand bags to residents who would like to 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.

Further 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) as they become available. 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.

Resources

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Contact

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