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As we move into Spring after an unusually wet and snowy winter, many communities across the province are concerned about the potential for flooding. I want to take this opportunity to update you on how my ministry is prepared for flooding and how our staff may be involved in your community during flood season.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for flood management in Ontario. MNR works with conservation authorities (CAs) and Environment Canada to forecast when and where flooding is likely to occur. MNR and CAs monitor watershed and weather conditions to predict flows and water levels, and issue flood messages. Flood messages help municipalities notify the public of developing unsafe river and lake conditions and advise them to take precautions. My ministry has just launched a new website to provide timely updates on potential flood conditions and offer advice to citizens on how to prepare and protect themselves in the event of a flood. The flood information site can be reached at ontario.ca/MNR.
Preparing for FloodingThe Ministry of Natural Resources has a Surface Water Monitoring Centre that performs a daily assessment for flood hazard potential. The ministry:
When the Risk of Flooding is HighWhen conditions indicate an increased potential for flooding, my ministry issues Flood Advisory messages to local authorities by email and fax. After hours, conservation authorities and MNR districts are also contacted by phone. These messages are also relayed to affected stakeholders, including Ontario Power Generation, CN-CP Rail, the Ministry of Transportation, Emergency Measures Ontario, and isolated First Nations communities.Flood messages are also issued by local conservation authorities based on local knowledge of watershed conditions and on ministry information. In parts of the province not covered by a CA, flood messages are issued by MNR districts. Local flood efforts are managed by municipalities, with assistance from MNR and other government partners. The ministry's Emergency Management network is activated when required. The ministry has regular daily contact with Emergency Measures Ontario regarding current conditions and flood potential. While floods are natural and inevitable, I want you to be assured that our best efforts are underway to prepare against flooding, inform the public, provide reliable and immediate updates, and limit the impacts as much as possible. Sincerely,
Donna Cansfield |