Sudbury crews work 24/7 amid flooding

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Flood fight continues in Sudbury

Viewer video: Ramsey Lake swallows the boardwalk

Sudbury waterways under flood watch

Flood threat remains as heavy rains set to hit this weekend

Rain, weather warnings to persist Saturday

Flooding can pose many dangers and health risks

The City of Greater Sudbury says crews are working around the clock to manage flood impacts and protect infrastructure as rising water levels prompt multiple road closures and a continued flood warning across the region.

Conservation Sudbury announced Saturday evening its flood warning will remain in effect at least until 7 p.m. on April 27. The authority said the area of flooding is anticipated to be greater than that seen in the spring of 2023.

“Recent snowmelt and rainfall have led to elevated water levels across the community, with localized flooding occurring in some areas,” the city said in a news release late Saturday afternoon.

City responds to wastewater system pressures

“City crews are working 24 hours a day to monitor and manage municipal infrastructure, including lift stations, sewer networks and water treatment facilities,” said city officials.

Current city actions include:

• Monitoring system capacity and performance across the city
• Deploying pumps, vactor trucks and equipment to manage increased flows and help prevent sewer backups
• Staffing and operating key wastewater locations to respond to changing conditions
• Protecting infrastructure, including lift stations, with measures such as sandbagging and preventing water from entering maintenance holes within roadways
• Increasing testing and monitoring to ensure drinking water continues to meet all safety standards

The city noted that flooding related to rivers and watercourses is monitored by Conservation Sudbury, and flooding caused by rising river and watercourse levels cannot be controlled by the municipality.

“Residents located in flood-prone or low-lying areas, including floodplains, should expect an increased risk of flooding and take steps now to protect their property,” said the city.

Residents experiencing sewer backups are asked to call 311. The city said that due to high call volumes, residents may not receive a return call, but all reports are being logged and monitored.

Conservation authority details rising river levels

Conservation Sudbury’s 7 p.m. update Saturday provided specific rates of rise for rivers across the region.

The Whitson River in Chelmsford is rising at a rate of about 45 centimetres per day. Residents located within the floodplain, including those near Belanger Street, should be prepared to leave if required.

The Whitson River in Val Caron is rising at about 15 centimetres per day. If water levels rise above the banks of the river, residents in the Flake neighbourhood should prepare accordingly.

The Vermilion River near Larchmont Drive is rising at about 17 centimetres per day. Conservation Sudbury said the road is already closed, and at the current rate of rise, the road could eventually have more than one metre of water over it in areas. The flooding in that area is expected to last a week or more.

The Vermilion River from Centennial Park to the Grassy Lake Road vicinity is rising at 41 centimetres per day. Water is currently over roads in the Grassy Lake area and will continue to rise.

The Vermilion River near Desmarais Road is rising at 23 centimetres per day. If the rate continues, the river will overtop the road within the next day.

The Onaping River in Dowling is rising at 19 centimetres per day. Conservation Sudbury said this rate is anticipated to continue or increase as runoff from the large snowpack in the north starts to make its way through the watershed.

Junction Creek levels have risen eight centimetres in the last day, with levels equal to the peak of last week.

Road closures in effect

The City of Greater Sudbury announced an updated list of road closures due to rising water levels as of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday:

• Larchmont Drive (Chelmsford)
• Mikkola Road (from Bonnie Drive to Kantola Road, Lively)
• Simmons Road (Bridge section, Chelmsford)
• Main St (River Road to Elm Street, Val Caron)
• Kauppi Road (Wahnapitae)
• Molly’s Road (Wahnapitae)
• Johnson Road (Worthington)
• Boundary Road (Whitefish)
• Caruso Street (Coniston)
• Kukagami Lake Road (Markstay-Warren)
• Flake Subdivision (Val Caron)
• Graham Road (MR55 to Leblanc Street, Whitefish)
• Belanger Street (Chelmsford)
• St. Laurent Street / Valleyview Road (between 3221 St. Laurent and 2883 Valleyview, Val Caron)
• Grassy Lake Road (from 356 Grassy Lake Road, Whitefish)

Drivers are reminded to obey all posted signage and avoid driving through flooded areas.

“Driving through standing water can create wakes that worsen flooding and cause additional damage to nearby homes and properties,” said the city.

Overland flooding ongoing

Conservation Sudbury said overland flooding is already occurring in numerous low-lying areas, including parts of the Flour Mill adjacent to Junction Creek, the Nickeldale neighbourhood north of the Ponderosa wetland, Charlotte Street adjacent to Junction Creek, Beverly Drive near Lily Creek, areas of Coniston adjacent to Romford Creek, and areas adjacent to Moose Creek in Wahnapitae.

“Everyone should exercise extreme caution around local waterways,” said the conservation authority.

Flood preparedness tips for residents

The City of Greater Sudbury has issued preparedness tips for residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas identified as high risk.

Around your property:

• Check nearby storm sewer grates for debris. If it is safe to do so, clear them using a broom or shovel.
• Ensure your sump pump is working and the sump pit is clear of debris.
• Position downspouts to direct water away from your foundation and neighbouring properties.

Inside your home:

• Move valuables and important items out of your basement to a higher location.
• Be prepared for possible flooding and know what steps to take.

If your basement floods:

• Do not enter a flooded basement without rubber boots.
• Avoid contact with anything metal due to risk of electrical shock.
• Contact your hydro and gas utilities to disconnect services if needed.
• If sewage is present, contact a licensed plumber.

General safety:

• Keep children away from fast-moving water.
• Never drive or walk through flooded areas.
• If your vehicle is surrounded by rising water, leave it and move to higher ground.

Residents are advised to consider evacuation if conditions worsen, have a plan for where they will go and what they will take, and follow all emergency instructions and local updates.

Sand and sandbags available

The city has advised that residents experiencing or at risk of property flooding can access sand and sandbags at one of five Public Works depots. Materials are available on site, and residents are responsible for filling bags themselves.

Residents should call 311 for information on the closest depot that has supplies available and staff on hand to provide bags.

Residents can determine if they are in an at-risk area by inputting their address in Conservation Sudbury’s online mapping tool.

For the latest updates on city flood actions and road closures, visit the Greater Sudbury 24/7 Facebook page.

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