More than 200 flood-related service requests have reached Niagara-on-the-Lake after two major storms, but the town still cannot say how many properties or basements flooded, what the damage will cost or whether municipal infrastructure failed.
Two weeks after the first storm, staff also have not determined whether flooded basements were hit by stormwater, sanitary sewage or both.
The town is working to collect all this information as part of a process to apply for and access disaster recovery funds from the province, but says it make take several months before those funds come through — if the municipality is deemed eligible.
“We are continuing to assess the impacts of both significant rainfall events,” town spokesperson Christie New said in an email. “At this time, we have received over 200 service requests.”
The town received 118 requests before the second flood struck Aug. 2. The town did not specify how many individual properties the more than 200 requests represent.
The first storm dumped 146.26 millimetres of rain on parts of NOTL over five hours July 28, hitting Virgil hardest. Five days later, localized totals topped 110 millimetres as parts of the town flooded again.
The town has not determined which storm caused more damage.
“All five villages and our rural areas experienced impacts to different degrees,” New said.
“Some experienced direct flooding while others experienced service disruptions resulting from flooding elsewhere in the system.”
Asked whether pumping stations, sewers, drains, ditches or culverts failed, overflowed or became overwhelmed, the town did not identify any specific problems during these latest floods.
“During significant rainfall events, stormwater systems can become overwhelmed due to the volume and intensity of rainfall,” New said.
“Town staff responded by monitoring infrastructure, clearing debris where possible and deploying resources to affected areas. Staff continues to assess system performance following both events.”
Assessments of the Cole, Harrison and Szockyj drains remain underway. The town said crews have inspected infrastructure, monitored drainage systems and completed maintenance and debris removal where required, but did not release any findings or say when the work will be finished.
However, there is no firm timeline for a public accounting of what happened.
“A comprehensive report will be presented when resources allow,” New said.
The town also has no preliminary estimate of damage to private property, public property or municipal infrastructure.
It is exploring Ontario’s Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program and Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians. Staff are speaking with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing about eligibility and available support, but no funding has been confirmed.
In a media release from Aug. 7, the town said it may take several months before funding from either of these programs arrives.
“While the town will advocate for timely decisions and keep the process moving wherever possible, residents and businesses should be aware that assistance is not immediate or guaranteed,” it said.
The town has not announced its own compensation or financial assistance program. Residents who believe they have a claim involving the municipality may submit it through the town’s standard claims process.
The municipality said it did not consider a local state of emergency necessary because existing emergency and operational resources were enough to manage the response.
As the investigation continues, the town is expanding waste services for residents still clearing damaged belongings and building materials from their properties.
Residents with large flood-damaged items or piles can register for a special curbside collection until noon Friday, Aug. 14, through the town’s online form or by calling 905-468-3266 ext. 0.
Residents may place up to five bags of flood-related waste at the curb on their regular collection day from Aug. 10 to 14. The town will also accept flood-related construction, demolition and renovation materials at its operations yard at 1565 Four Mile Creek Rd. from Aug. 12 to 14, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Regular garbage collection resumes Aug. 17. Residents may put out three additional bags of flood debris on top of the standard two-bag limit until Aug. 21.
