Heavy rains spark flooding concerns in Harrow

Substantial rainfall in the area has caused concern for flooding in Harrow - Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy says that they town is limited in what it can to to respon

Heavy rains throughout Wednesday prompted some reports of localized flooding in parts of Harrow.

Residents noticed water covering roadways, and some reported flooding in their basements.

Rising water leaves people “on edge”, according to Sherry Bondy, Essex’s Mayor, who received many calls on Wednesday.

“So there’s been quite a bit of panic on social media,” Bondy said, adding people become worried over the potential for “basement flooding.”

Bondy said water on roads is to be expected, given low-lying spots throughout the town, but households should have preventative measures to protect their properties.

Essex has flood protection subsidy programs, including for backwater valve, sump pump instillation and rain barrels.

“So take the time, you know, before it floods to look at your own home, and also if you see the road flood, it’s not the end of the world, it’s on the road, you know, the roads typically flood. They hold water until the water can go down our catch basins,” Bondy said.

In recent years, flood mitigation has been a top priority among residents, Bondy said.

Standing beside a drain that was recently expanded, Bondy said they’re working to examine inflow infiltration, improve catch basins, and better educate on drainage responsibilities.

Regardless of how much Essex invests, Bondy said it won’t prevent flooding in some areas.

“It’s going to take money, and we just don’t have loads of money,” she said, adding they can only put so much on taxpayers.

“The province is looking to fund projects that bring in a new sewage treatment plant to add additional homes. There’s no really supports out there for existing infrastructure.”

Bondy encouraged those who experienced basement flooding in their homes to report it online.