Emergency Management Program Committee Discusses Water Level Updates
BELLEVILLE – This morning the City of Belleville Emergency Management Program committee received lake front water level updates from Christine McClure from Quinte Conservation. Forecasts indicate the potential for a 10 centimetre increase over the upcoming week. Wind speed and direction will also impact the water levels. Based on these projections, the group discussed the success of the proactive actions taken last week and the steps to be taken now to continue to mitigate the impact on residents, businesses and property owners in the shore line region.
Actions Taken to Date:
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.
Sections of the waterfront trail from South George Street to Herchimer Avenue are closed with signage and barriers. Sections of the riverfront trail are still closed with anticipated rainfall.
‘No Wake’ signage has been posted in Victoria Park Harbour. Please respect this directive and encourage others to do the same.
Actions Now Being Taken:
Water walls are to be placed along Myers Pier to control waves impacting the pier.
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 Fire Communications dispatch number at 613-962-2010 and provide their name, phone number and the residential property of concern. Belleville Fire & Rescue will send an Assessor to determine the needs of the property.
Residents 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.
“This morning’s meeting was good in that it enabled us to review what we’ve been doing and determine additional measures we will take to continue our proactive approach,” said Mayor Mitch Panciuk.
Valuable resources:
Quinte Conservation for active water levels and flow rates: quinteconservation.ca.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: hpepublichealth.ca
Belleville Fire Communications at 613-962-2010 to contact Flood Assessors
(City of Belleville Press Release)
