Whitewater Region – The Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry’s (MNRF) flood warming has been extended for Pembroke District until May 28, 2019.
Water levels slowly are receding. We ask that sand bags be maintained. Visit www.ottawariver.ca for the latest forecast from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board. The Township of Whitewater Region and County of Renfrew have no authority or control over dams and water levels.
Minister Yakabuski and Premier Ford have announced a Provincial task force to better plan for and reduce the impacts of flooding. We have learned that the session planned for our area on May 23, 2019 is not open to the public. Feedback on this review can be emailed to Minister Yakabuski at [email protected].
Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to register with Red Cross at 1-800-863- 6582. WWR will be hosting a second Red Cross Open House on May 23 from 11 a.m.to 8 p.m. and all impacted residents are encouraged to come by the Hall at that time for a meal and to access emergency funding. The Relief Centre at the Westmeath Hall will remain open this week to support our affected residents and any support forces.
The Relief Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide coffee/tea/snacks plus lunch and supper including pick-up meals for our isolated residents. If you would like to donate food or your time please contact the hall during operating hours to sign up at 613-587-4559.
Township staff are working on a Recovery Guide for those impacted by flooding. It will be available later this week.
Municipal roads impacted by flooding will be reopened when safe to do so. Priority will be given to restoring emergency access. Under the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, certain township roads may meet criteria for provincial funding for rehabilitation. A damage report by a qualified engineer will be prepared for pre-approval by the Province. The Township’s Public Works Department has started this work in anticipation of a drop in water levels to be able to visually assess the damage. Private roads and trails are the responsibility of the owners.
The Township’s fire ban was lifted prior to the long weekend. Burn permits are valid for a year but must be renewed once every two weeks. If you have not already filled out a burn permit application, you can do so by requesting one at the Township Office in Cobden. If you have already filled out an application for this year, you can renew the permit by calling 613-646- 2282.
