This week Kingstonians watched closely as flooding impacted a number of areas across the city. Fortunately the waters are receding and the roads that flooded over the weekend are now being reopened, though we continue to monitor current water levels. This happens to be Emergency Preparedness Week in the City of Kingston and serves as a good reminder of the importance of being prepared for quick action in the case of an emergency.
When the unexpected happens, like 170mm of rainfall in just over a week, the City of Kingston website is a good source of up-to-date information. The City has a dedicated page for flood updates where you can find helpful information such as road closures, impacts to Kingston transit, and where to access sand bags. For updates visit the City website at www.cityofkingston.ca/floodupdates or you can always connect with the City’s customer service line at 613-546-0000. Water level monitoring from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority can be accessed at https://crca.ca/. In addition, you can find tips for protecting your property by checking out the following fact sheet provided by Utilities Kingston at https://utilitieskingston.com/Wastewater/BasementFlooding/FloodFacts.
Although roads have reopened, a flood warning for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River remains. As long as this flood warning is in effect, the City will continue to provide updates on the website and social media – twitter: @cityofkingston / facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCityofKingston. My sincere thanks to our city’s public works, engineering staff and our emergency responders who continue to monitor conditions and who are ready to respond as required.