By Megan Chase, Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath)— Some say stubborn and others just call him prepared. As water levels continued to rise this past weekend it became clear to many residents the battle was lost. While many people were forced out of their homes by the unrelenting flood waters of the Ottawa river a few residents remained.
“I cant give up, or leave. This is my home,” shared Westmeath resident Jacob Begin. Mr. Begin remembered all to clearly the battle of 2017 flood waters and this year he was ready. He began to prepare pumps, generators and sandbags as early as April 19, Good Friday.
Able to sustain his residence for the first rise, and with road access by truck it appeared as though a few rows of sandbags and a couple pumps would be enough. As water levels continued to rise, the race was on and Jacob hopped to action. Walking a boat loaded with sandbags through the frigid water from the road, he built an impressively large wall dividing himself as much as he could from the river. Row after row and eventually with the help of friends, volunteers and military – his house was surrounded but his battle wasn’t over.
For weeks, Mr. Begin maintained a 45 minute, then three to five hour sleep schedule to continuously check on his pumps and water levels.
“You have to stay ahead of the river, once it’s over your wall you can’t catch up,” said Mr. Begin. Fortunate enough to be able, with preparation, hard work and a lot of heart he saved his home. His heart goes out to those who were less fortunate, and he hopes we continue to band together in the hard months to come.
“It’s easy to point fingers, and we all want to blame someone or maybe its a price we sometimes pay to live on the river…” Whatever the reasons, Mr. Begin manages to stay optimistic and positive.
While water levels peaked and sweat rolled off his brow Mr. Begin only had one major complaint, “it is getting lonely on this island, and I could use some company.”
