Rainfall and Flooding Information Update

With the anticipated continuation of high levels of precipitation into the next couple of days, the Municipality of Lakeshore is asking residents to be aware of the risk of flooding and to take necessary action to protect their properties.

Residents in flood-prone areas throughout the municipality should:

• Monitor the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Flood Status and Watershed Conditions statements and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s Flood Notices.
• Ensure sump pumps are operating normally.
• Clear any yard catch basins from debris and leaves to help water drain efficiently.
• Monitor your backwater valve and discontinue the use of water if it is closed.
• Avoid using water when possible to reduce pressure on the municipal system, including flushing toilets.
• Avoid driving on flooded roads.

If your basement is flooding:

• Stop using water within the home, including flushing toilets and using washing machines.
• If your sump pump is overwhelmed and back up pumps are used, please remember to pump storm water out a basement window away from the home or on the driveway and not into the floor drain, laundry tub or other fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system.
• If water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnaces, or is near the electrical panel, call HydroOne at 1-800-434-1235 to have your power disconnected.
• Call the Municipality of Lakeshore Public Works Team at 519-728-2488 ext 601 or report flooding using the Flooding Survey tool. Submissions will be used by municipal staff to monitor problem areas and prioritize response efforts.
• Please note, calls outside of regular business hours will continue to be received.

What Lakeshore is doing:

Municipal staff are continuing to assess areas of concern during the rainfall event(s), ensuring pump stations are operating effectively, and monitoring storm ponds to minimize the impacts of local flooding. Backup pumps will be deployed as required.

Earlier this year, the Municipality started the implementation of its Flood Mitigation & Protection Framework, a multi-pronged approach to addressing the complex challenges of flooding and climate change. New investments under the framework include:

• Expanded organizational capacity and the creation of a Flooding Rapid Response Plan to increase level of service during rainfall events;
• The hosting of a Public Open House to educate and assist residents with flooding, identify the next steps Lakeshore is taking.
• The rollout of a smoke testing program, expected to start next week, to identify sanitary sewer cross-connections and target areas of significant inflow.