WHITEWATER REGION — Mayor Moore has terminated the state of local emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which was declared on April 26, 2019. Termination of the emergency does not impact recovery efforts or provincial funding programs.
Council of the Township of Whitewater Region has adopted two resolutions pertaining to flooding. One supporting calls for a public inquiry by the Ontario and Federal Governments regarding 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.
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 accepted at the landfill and can also be deposited at the location where they were picked up or the Westmeath Garage.
Township recovery efforts are being led by the Westmeath & District Recreation Association (WDRA) Flood Recovery Resource Committee.
Approximately 260 properties were impacted by the flooding with 19 families unable to return home to this date.
The Township would like to acknowledge the support of Mennonite Disaster Service, Samaritan’s Purse and Christina Aid Ministries who were on the ground assisting with the removal of flood damage on private property.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing will be holding a session to assist those applying to the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program. The session will occur on Tuesday, July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Westmeath Community Centre located at 119 Synton Street.
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.) if an applicant cannot attend in Westmeath.
Emergency repairs are now completed to impacted municipal roads to ensure access. Engineers are preparing plans to complete reconstruction.
The Township would like to thank all volunteers and partners for their collaboration and efforts during this emergency. The Township remains in recovery mode.
