Flood response: Belleville mayor declares state of emergency

CTV Toronto: Belleville submerged under water Some Belleville homeowners are staying put despite the rising water levels and state of emergency in the region. Naomi Parness has more.

The mayor of Belleville has declared a state of emergency because of rising water levels on the banks of the Moira River.

In a video and statement posted online, Mayor Neil Ellis said he was calling the state of emergency in order to provide the resources needed to tackle the flooding north of the city.

"Flows in the Moira River are expected to increase 6-8 inches over the next 48 hours," according to the statement posted Thursday afternoon.

Flooding has begun in areas located in and around Foxboro, Ont., a small community located 10 kilometres north of Belleville.

Ellis said conditions are stabilizing, but there is potential for more rainfall over the weekend. The city is asking for volunteers to help build sandbag barriers in preparation for potential flooding.

Sand and sandbag supplies will be made available to residents in the affected areas, and city staff have been contacting homeowners directly in the areas most likely to be flooded.

Flood conditions are not expected to affect areas south of Highway 401, the statement said.

Anyone concerned about flooding is urged to call an information hotline at 613-962-7550.

Those who wish to volunteer must register with the city and complete a brief training session. The statement asked volunteers to go to the Gerry Masterson Community Centre on Harmony Road between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday to register.