BELLEVILLE – The City of Belleville Emergency Management committee met this morning. Following updates regarding Bayshore Trail conditions, the decision was made to completely close the trail – Herchimer Avenue to George Street and up to Victoria Park. Sections of the Zwick’s Park trail have also been closed. This is for public safety and you are asked to please respect this decision. Drone footage provided by Belleville Police Services (taken late last week) can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iUPm48pp8Q. Weekly updated coverage will be posted, conditions permitting.
One of a few parts of the waterfront trail underwater due to flooding at Zwicks Park in Belleville. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Dave Eastcott from Quinte Conservation provided water level updates and predictions. Water levels reached 2017 levels as of yesterday, May 30 and an additional 5.08 to 10.16 centimetres is predicted. With the Great Lakes at record highs the water levels will decrease slowly when peak levels are reached resulting in the waterfront region being compromised for an extended period of time.
The committee was joined by representatives of the Electrical Safety Authority. David McConnell, General Manager – Eastern Region, expressed the serious challenges faced during and following flood conditions and encourages residents to visit: https://www.esasafe.com/assets/files/esasafe/Newsroom/ESA-Fee-Waiving-Announcement-FINAL-050719.pdf for steps to take if your property has flooded.
Wind speed and direction also impact the water levels.
The City continues to carefully monitor its water source to ensure safety is maintained.
Actions Taken to Date:
Water level increases in Victoria Park prompted the closure of the west leg of the access roadway and the conversion of the east leg roadway to accommodate two-way traffic. This enables boat owners to continue to have access to their boats. Signage was posted warning motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Additional sandbags were placed along the end of Meyers Pier to shield guests of the Pier Patio and BBQ from ‘wave waters’.
To minimize wake damage, Victoria Harbour is closed to all but local boat traffic. The City asks that boaters respect this restriction. ‘No Wake’ signage is posted in Victoria Park Harbour. Please respect this directive and encourage others to do the same.
Water walls have been placed along Meyers Pier to control waves impacting the pier.
Sections of South George Street and Harbour Drive have been closed.
Crews have elevated South Church and John Streets to enable residents to access their homes.
Concrete blocks were put in place to contain water levels in these areas.
City representatives continue to monitor and communicate with residents in the impacted areas.
George Street boat launch is currently open but no longer accessible from Harbour Drive. Conditions are being monitored and if this launch is closed, City crews have prepared for boaters to use the Herchimer Avenue launch.
Residents are asked to:
Belleville residents concerned with water levels around their homes are encouraged to contact the City of Belleville Operational Services Customer Line at 613-967-3275 and provide their name, phone number and the residential property of concern. City staff will assess and determine the needs of the property.
Residents are cautioned to stay out of the water which has flooded onto municipal property. Sharp objects and debris present potential injury.
With the high water levels and current rainfall conditions residents can expect some surface water ponding.
Exercise extreme caution along shoreline – fast moving water and cold temperatures are safety risks.
Residents are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect their property, including ensuring sump pumps are working and belongings are removed from basement floors.
Non- area residents:
For the safety of all, please avoid this area – submerged roads are unstable and can collapse. Driving on closed roadways is an offense accompanied by a substantial fine.
Valuable resources:
Quinte Conservation for active water levels and flow rates: quinteconservation.ca.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: hpepublichealth.ca
Electrical Safety Authority: esasafe.com
Operational Services Customer Line at 613-967-3275 to contact Flood Assessors
(City of Belleville Press Release)
