With More Rain On Way Higher Water Levels Are Anticipated Along Otonabee River

A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough, according to a City of Peterborough release. Water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next several days.

Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rainfall Thursday night into Friday. Total rainfall amounts of 25 to 40 millimetres are expected by Friday night, and may exceed 50 millimetres in some areas.

The City is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with Trent-Severn Waterway, Otonabee Conservation and local dam operators, and is prepared to respond as required.

File photo by Evan Holt

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF IN LOW-LYING AREAS

• The City encourages residents in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River to monitor water level changes on their properties and to take necessary precautions for their safety and their property.

• Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved, and other personal items such as lawn furniture should be moved to higher ground.

• Residents should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies at the ready. Sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.   

• Residents who have properties that are susceptible to flooding should consider getting supplies such as pumps, generators and sandbags from local rental companies, hardware stores and landscape suppliers.

SANDBAG AVAILABILITY

City residents in imminent danger of flooding on their property can get sandbags from the City of Peterborough, which will have limited supplies available at several locations in preparation for potential flooding in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River.

The provision of sandbags by the City is intended for lower entry points on foundations, such as doorways and window wells. Residents will be required to personally fill, transport, place and remove the sandbags.  Residents wishing to place sandbags along the riverbank should access supplies from hardware stores or landscape suppliers.

Sandbag supplies are available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the following locations:

• Riverside Drive at Cameron Street
• Riverside Drive at Spruce Avenue
• Sherin Avenue at Collison Park

Sandbag supplies will also be available on Friday, April 26th, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the same locations.

To report a flood in your area, call the Otonabee Conservation Flood Watch Hotline at 705-745-5791 ext. 228, which is available on a 24-hour basis. Anyone who feels that they are in immediate danger by rising water should call 9-1-1.

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