City of Peterborough Marks 20th Anniversary of the 2004 Flood

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 Flood, which devastated Peterborough, saw the City reflect and recognize the milestone at the Engage Engineering courtyard on Monday morning.

Sylvia Sutherland, Former Peterborough Mayor (left) with Jeff Leal, current Peterborough Mayor (right). Sutherland was the mayor during the flood while Leal was serving as the MPP. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since the incident, the City of Peterborough has made significant investments in flood mitigation and climate adaptation and discussed its progress at the event according to a press release.

The City has launched an interactive story map online to commemorate the anniversary and provide residents with an engaging way to learn about the 2004 Flood and subsequent investments in flood mitigation infrastructure.  

“I will never forget seeing the widespread damage across the city on July 15, 2004,” said Leal. “As a newly elected MPP I was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of Peterborough residents who were facing incredible adversity.   

On July 14 and 15, 2004, Peterborough received up to 220 mm of rain in nine hours. It consisted of 10 billion litres of rain which is equal to 9,615 filled Lift Locks and the same as two-and-a-half days of flow on the Otonabee River.

The resulting flooding caused substantial damage to municipal infrastructure and ruined basements in homes in town.

“What happened in the following days was inspirational; neighbours helped one another, volunteer organizations converged to help with recovery efforts and all levels of government provided support. The overwhelming support from emergency responders across the province allowed our community to recover faster than expected,” saidd Leal. “The 2004 Flood was a turning point in the City’s investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and today we are much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

The 2004 Flood served as a critical turning point in how the City of Peterborough addressed the inherent risks of flooding, putting the City on the pathway of long-term climate adaptation according to a press release.

They released a Flood Reduction Master Plan and identified the Central Area Flood Reduction project as a top priority. The project was completed last year with support from both the provincial and federal governments. 

The City says it used advanced technology to map flood-risk areas and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, including traditional stormwater infrastructure and natural infrastructure, such as trees, watercourses and wetlands.

The historical development of our City in flood-prone areas, combined with the increasing risk of high-intensity rainfall, means the City’s flood reduction journey is far from complete as stated in a press release.

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Flood Watch Update Issued For Trent-Severn Waterway Tuesday

A Flood Watch Update was issued for Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management on Tuesday April 11– notifying them that flooding is possible.

file photo.

The waterways within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction and the headwaters of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes region) will experience above normal air temperatures through Sunday April 16.  The next rainfall event is forecasted for the 16th is through Tuesday April 18 with potential rainfall amounts in the range of 15 to 30 millimetres. 

Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway.  With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to increase and result in breakup of ice cover and potential ice jams. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.  

Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River have levelled off and will remain steady.  Potential increases to water levels and flows may result from further water management due to additional runoff from the forecasted rainfall event. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected. 

Otonabee Conservation advises area municipalities to prepare for swelling of rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands with possibility of waters inundating adjacent properties and roads. Shoreline residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Residents and visitors are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Adults, parents and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts and bridges). 

Water levels can be monitored on-line at: 

1. Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2. Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data   

3. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website  

This Flood Watch Update message will expire Tuesday, April 18 unless updated earlier.                                                               

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch to Peterborough and Surrounding Area Due to Warm Weather and Rainfall

Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood watch to Peterborough and the surrounding area due to the warm temperatures, rainfall and melting snow throughout the holidays announced on Thursday.

The watch is for the municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management according to Otonobee Conservation.

The flood watch is issued to alert municipalities, residents and businesses that floods are possible.

Parks Canada reports that they are managing water throughout the entire system.  Increased flows are entering the Kawartha Lakes that increase water levels and could result in the potential breakup of ice cover and ice jams. Starting Thursday, the flows on the Otonabee River will be increased to convey the excess water within the system.

Otonabee Conservation expects a return of cold air temperatures over the next week, in combination with a lack of ice cover and turbulent flows on the Otonabee River may result in the generation of frazil ice (a kind of slush ice formed by cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cause the surface water temperature to be super-cooled) which can lead to flooding.

Residents and businesses along the shores of the Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes — especially those located in low-lying areas — are strongly encouraged by Otonobee Conservation to keep a close watch for frazil ice generation, accumulation, and jamming and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

• Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

• Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data 

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

The flood watch is expected to expire next Thursday unless stated otherwise.

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Flood Watch In Peterborough Area In Anticipation Of Up To 25 Millimeters Of Rain

Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood watch for all water bodies in the Peterborough area.

Affected areas include the Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

After experiencing a low-pressure trough that brought warm air temperatures, rain, and snowmelt to the Region last week, we will experience similar weather conditions on Tuesday as a Texas Low Pressure system passes over Southern Ontario. Air temperatures will soar to 6 degrees Celsius, and the system will deliver 20-25 millimetres of rain, possibly heavy at times.

Rain on snow on frozen ground will cause already above-normal water levels/flows to increase even more, possibly resulting in overbank flooding. However, if water levels do rise enough as to exceed channel capacity, it is expected to only do so in low-lying areas and to cause only nuisance level flooding. Ice cover break-up is not expected and flooding due to ice jams is also not expected. Wednesday, will see the system gone from the Region and a return to seasonal air temperatures.

Area residents can expect ponding of water in low-lying areas because frozen ground conditions will prevent absorption, followed by the freezing of this water as the air temperatures change back to below zero. Also, ponding will occur around culverts and drainage basins that are blocked due to snow, ice and/or debris. Residents and businesses along the shores of area waterbodies and watercourses, especially those located in low-lying areas, are strongly encouraged to keep a close watch for possible flooding and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Adults, parents, and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children, and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts, and bridges).

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This flood watch will expire Thursday unless otherwise noted.

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Flood Watch Issued For Peterborough Area In Anticipation Of Heavy Rainfall

A flood watch has been issued by Otonabee Conservation for all waterbodies and watercourses in the Peterborough region.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Areas that may be affected include Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

A low-pressure trough will bring soaring air temperatures reaching 6-7 degrees Celsius. Air temperatures will continue in this range over the next 36 to 48 hours ahead of an arriving cold front.

Also, ahead of the cold front is a total of 15 to 25 millimeters of rain. Depending on how the system tracks, there is a possibly that as much as 50 millimeters of rain will fall. As the cold front pushes into the region, there will be strong winds, a drop in air temperatures, and we will receive snowfall of 15 to 20 centimeters. This mix of vastly varying air temperatures, strong winds, differing forms of precipitation will make for messy conditions.

Uncertainty in total rainfall amounts translates to a possibility of flooding.

Current conditions include frozen ground covered by a snowpack that is 25-30 centimeters deep with a water content of 85-90 millimeters. Modelling of the warm air temperature/rain event shows 35-40 millimeters of rainfall/snowmelt will be available for run-off, possibly as much as 65 millimeters. However, the snowpack will absorb 5 to 10 per cent, helping to lessen the amount of rainfall/snowmelt to be released into area rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands. Ice cover break-up is not expected.

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This flood watch will expire on Feb. 21.

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Flood Watch Issued For Peterborough And Surrounding Areas

Otonabee Conservation issued a flood watch on Friday for all bodies of water in the Otonabee Region watershed.

File Photo.

Affected areas include municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

A strong cold front will make its way into Southern Ontario Friday, bringing warmer temperatures, rain and strong winds.

Temperatures will be above normal for this time of year with a high of 6 degrees C Friday and up to 13 degrees C on Saturday before dropping below zero Saturday night. Friday afternoon could see rainfall in the amounts of 10 to 15mm with an additional 10 to 20mm possible on Saturday.

With frozen ground conditions, the expected rainfall and potential heavy downpours, combined with warm temperatures and melting snow may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

As a minimum, water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas and higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Higher than normal water levels and flows will continue throughout the weekend as the expected rainfall and snow melt flushes through our waterways.

Residents are advised to be extremely cautious around all local lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks because shorelines/riverbanks will be slippery and could be undercut, and currents will be strong. Road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas may experience unsafe ponding conditions. Dams and other water control/water conveyance structures are especially dangerous and should always be avoided.

This flood watch will expire Tuesday Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

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Flood Watch Issued in Peterborough and Area

A flood watch has been issued to the City of Peterborough and surrounding municipalities by Otonabee Conservation, on Wednesday.

Rainfall on Lansdowne Street, Wednesday. Photo by Davin Tuan Bui.

Municipalities that may be affected are Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

From Wednesday - Thursday a moisture-laden low-pressure system and associated cold front is moving through our Region. The system will bring widespread rain and isolated thunderstorms.

Heavy downpours are expected to deliver as much as 15-20 mm in one hour. Total rainfall amounts are expected to be in the order of 40-60mm on Wednesday and another 20 mm on Thursday. Higher amounts are possible due to thunderstorms. Some lingering rainfall may continue over the weekend, but the main concern is heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected Wednesday and Thursday.

Heavy downpours and thunderstorms can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads and low-lying areas. Localized flooding is possible. As a minimum, higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected in lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges.

Higher than normal water levels and flows will continue over the weekend as the significant rainfall receipts of today and tomorrow flush through local waterways.

Residents are advised to be extremely cautious around all local lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks because shorelines/riverbanks will be slippery and could be undercut, and currents will be strong. Road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas may experience unsafe ponding conditions.

Dams and other water control/water conveyance structures are especially dangerous and should always be avoided.

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Flood Warning Update: The Latest From The City Of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough just issued this updated press release, which includes info on drinking water, sand bags and more. Read it below...

"A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough. The Otonabee Conservation has advised that water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next fews days. Residents are advised to stay well back from the shorelines of the Otonabee River and Little Lake, as well as area creeks and dams, as the water flow rates are extremely fast and increasing. Shorelines are dangerous, as they are very unstable due to ground saturation.

The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant remains on secondary by-pass, however, the Park Street pumping station has resumed normal operation. Residents downstream of the Wastewater Treatment Plant who draw water from the river should continue to take necessary precautions to disinfect and boil water. In an effort to help reduce flows through the Wastewater Treatment Plant, residents are asked to discontinue any non-essential water use until further notice.

City residents in low lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties, and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.    

Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved, and other personal effects should be moved to higher ground. Residents may wish to move personal belongings from lower levels of their home. Residents are advised that they should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies at the ready, and sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.

The City of Peterborough Public Works Department will be providing limited sandbags for lower entry points on foundations such as doorways and window wells (not for riverbanks), to those City residents that are in imminent danger of flooding. Sandbags will be made available for City residents between 4:30 PM- 8:00 PM today (Saturday) and 7:00 AM-7:00 PM tomorrow (Sunday), at the following locations:

-> Crawford Drive at Barbara Crescent (east end)
-> Riverside Drive at Cameron Street
-> Riverside Drive at Spruce Avenue
-> Sherin Avenue at Collison Park

Proof of City of Peterborough property address is required. Filling, delivery, placement, and removal of sandbags will be the owner’s responsibility.

Properties that are susceptible to flooding may also consider sourcing supplies such as pumps, generators and sand bags from local rental companies, hardware stores and landscape suppliers.

If at anytime city residents feel that they are in immediate danger by rising water, they should call 9-1-1.

This is a developing story. Follow @Ptbo_Canada on Twitter for the latest news.

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