The City of Kawartha Lakes is providing free sandbags for residents above the Kinmount dam in case of flooding caused by increased water levels in the Burnt River.
On Thursday (March 20), the City of Kawartha Lakes announced the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) had informed the municipality of a potential flooding risk in Kinmount.
The MNR was set to remove another set of logs from the Kinmount dam to manage water levels in the Burnt River, but a large amount of ice in the dam openings prevented the logs from being removed.
“With the logs unable to be removed, this will mean an increase in water levels above the dam in Kinmount,” the municipality stated. “These conditions may promote some flooding issues along the business section of the river.”
“The MNR is doing their best to address the blockage, but they are having some issues getting equipment to the site to help remove it. Once the blockage has been addressed, the MNR will provide the municipality with an update.”
Residents on the upstream side of the dam are being asked to prepare their properties for possible flooding.
To assist with flood preparedness, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and Public Works are providing free sandbags.
Pre-filled sandbags are available at the Burnt River Community Centre (16 Somerville Centre Road, Burnt River) on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are asked only to take as many sandbags as they need.
Residents can fill their own sandbags at Ward Park Norland Community Centre (7675 Highway 35 N., Norland), Dalton Community Centre (13 Rumohr Dr., Sebright), and Chisholm Trail (south of Black River Road near Amon Drive). Residents will need to bring their own shovels.
“Flooding can be a costly natural disaster in terms of property damage,” Terry Jones, chief of Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, told kawarthaNOW.
“Flood-proofing for homes can save a resident costly repairs from potential flood damage. Flood readiness especially in flood-prone areas can help you be more prepared if a flood occurs.”
For flood preparation tips, visit the emergency management page at the City of Kawartha Lakes website.
