Dear Residents of Ward 43,
As you probably already know, we are in for a lot of wet weather this weekend. “April showers bring May flowers” is a thought which we can definitely apply as we try and endure these conditions in the City.
All jokes aside…. many problems arise as these wet conditions worsen. Southern Ontario is expecting between 40 & 70 millimetres of rain between Thursday afternoon and Sunday evening. This is on top of the 100 millimeters we have already received since early April. Due to this large quantity of rainfall, Lake Ontario’s water levels have risen and flooding has also occurred in areas along the city’s waterfront. Recently 1/3 of the parking lot at the mouth of the Rouge River was under water!
A large part of our ward is just along the city’s waterfront so I highly advise residents to stay clear rivers and streams. Also it would be best to avoid travelling in heavy rain storms.
With the amount of rain we have already received the ground has reduces its ability to absorb rainfall. During storms,the rainfall will flow on top of the ground and drain into the sewer system.
The City has its crew working on clearing catch basins anticipating the heavy rainfall, in hopes to minimize the risk of road flooding. If I could please ask our residents to call 311 to report any cases of road flooding.
Many parts of the city can be affected by flooding with little to no warning. Flooding is prone to occur in areas that have previously experience flooding such as the Don River Valley, eastern and western beaches, the Toronto Islands, and other lakefront/shoreline areas.
In the case of basement flooding residents should immediately report issues to 311, where the Toronto Water crews are available 24/7. To prepare and/or prevent basement floods residents are suggested to clear catch basins around homes, consider moving valuables to upper shelves or floors. If flooding does occur, cleaners, paint and chemicals should be removed from the floor to prevent contamination of floodwater which have entered your home. Also something to consider during extreme storms: please try to reduce the usage of water in the home, for example, avoid doing laundry to prevent water adding to the amount of water entering our sewer system.
For more information about basement flooding please visit www.toronto.ca/basementflooding.
Stay safe Ward 43 Residents, check up on family and elderly neighbours as well!
Sincerely,
All my Best,
Paul