Following a "near-perfect storm" of rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall, several Manitoulin Island municipalities have declared states of emergency due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage that could cost millions of dollars to repair.
MANITOULIN鈥擳he recent deluge combined with the melting of the massive snow buildup that accumulated over recent weeks led to a near-perfect storm of flooding across Manitoulin Island, washing out roads, driveways and, in some cases, resulting in the need to evacuate residents in Tehkummah and Wiikwemkoong.
The question on many people鈥檚 minds as they take a break from filling sandbags and digging drainage channels, is 鈥榟ow much is this going to cost and how will it impact municipal budgets?鈥 The answer is a resounding 鈥渨e don鈥檛 know鈥 from all quarters, but it will likely be in the many millions of dollars when tallied up from across the region.
鈥淎s this is an evolving situation we do not know what the total cost of dealing with the flooding will be,鈥 confirmed Northeast Town CAO David Williamson. 鈥淭he costs will have to be covered out of operating and potentially reserve funds (if approved by council) unless funding is available from the province either through the Disaster Recovery Assistance fund or the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Fund.鈥
Subscribe now and have access to all our stories, enjoy exclusive content and stay up to date with constant updates.