KENORA – The City of Kenora is on high alert as rising water flood the street. As the rising waters continue to washout rural roads north of the by-pass, some residents may not be able to leave their homes.
Therefore, the City of Kenora declares a state of emergency to allow for a potential opportunity to access provincial assistance with the situation.
While the city remains on high alert, Essex Road, East Melick Road and Coker Roads are the most vulnerable areas. The city advises that people living in these high-risk areas should have an evacuation plan prepared in a significant washout.
If the flood worsens, entire neighbourhoods may temporarily be isolated from local emergency service providers and utilities. Vulnerable residents should ensure they have adequate food supplies and medicines on hand if they lose their road access and should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours.
Residents are reminded not to travel through the water as the road may be crumbling under the water. Caution should be used when using Coker Road at Kelly Road and East Melick Road at Essex Road as water is over the road at these locations.
Ice flows and a fast-flowing current have hit the Coney Island footbridge causing it to break away by the Water Treatment Plant. The bridge remains attached on the Coney Island side; however, the ice and current apply pressure on the bridge.
The bridge was scheduled for removal next Tuesday, May 17; however, staff will be working towards getting this removed as quickly as possible.
The footbridge is unstable, and the public should not attempt to use the bridge and remain clear of the area.
Sandbags are available at the Fire Hall Station 1 on 100 Fourteenth Street North for residents to use in preparation for the rising water. Residents living outside the city can find sandbags at the Ministry office on Robertson Street.
The City of Kenora will continue to update residents through the local media and the city’s social media pages.
