Officials in the Town of Mattawa declared a state of emergency this week, with flood waters expected to keep rising for at least the next few days. In a statement, Mattawa Mayor Raymond Belanger said water levels on the Ottawa River are still rising. “Authorities have advised us that the major damage flood level has now been exceeded and that levels will continue to rise,” Belanger said. “The effect of the rising Ottawa River at its current level is that it prevents the Mattawa River to outflow into the Ottawa, causing it to rise. As a consequence, the town has redeployed resources to elevate the berm along Mattawan Street.” In addition, flood protection at the Pine/Mattawan Street lift station will be enhanced with additional bladders, the mayor said. And more material will be deposited further along Mattawan Street toward Side Turcotte Park to protect property in the low-lying areas. “As a result of the additional work, especially along Mattawan Street, residents may experience road closures, temporary or otherwise, including Gorman, Pine, Poplar and Mattawan,” Belanger said. “Groundwater also has a significant impact on homes and businesses, with many flooded basements. An example of this is the groundwater at the Timmins Street CPKCR train trestle.” In addition, sandbagging has begun in other vulnerable areas, including parts of Ottawa and Brooks streets. “At this point, we are calling out to all volunteers who can help with filling sandbags as the town will need more to mitigate against additional flooding,” the mayor said. “Residents are reminded to stay away from moving water during this period of high water levels.”
