Flooding creeping up onto properties along the Ottawa River (Ronald DiTamaso photo)
Whitewater Region is shifting their focus to recovery efforts after a long spring flood on the Ottawa River.
In an update to the community, township Mayor Neil Nicholson explains that staff are turning their attention to helping residents clean up impacted areas as water levels return to normal levels following nearly two months of elevated flows along the shore.
Township staff are directing residents with wells affected by flooding to test them for bacteria using kits provided by the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
Used sandbags can be used as fill, a substitute aggregate in construction, or blended into landscaping, although they say to exercise caution when reusing sand that has encountered floodwaters due to the potential for contamination and avoid using it in children’s play areas.
Sandbags can also be disposed of free of charge at the township landfill or returned to the original pickup location.
Vouchers waiving tipping fees at the local landfill are also available to residents hauling materials from flood-damaged structures and debris left behind by elevated water levels, with registration available online.
Some municipal roads may require additional work to address damage caused by flooding, and the township’s roads department is actively carrying out necessary repairs.
The township is also coordinating meetings with affected residents to speak with a provincial disaster assessment team on Thursday, June 4, as the minister of municipal affairs and housing considers activating relief assistance for eligible residents.
(written by Kasey Egan)
