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UPDATE: Mattawa flood situation

An update on the flooding situation in Mattawa.

Municipal officials say flooding conditions continue to pose a threat to residents after Mayor Dean Backer declared a local state of emergency Monday after being advised that the Otto Holden Dam would be releasing two feet of water.

With the help of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and the MNRF, water levels are being closely monitored.

See original story: Mattawa declares state of emergency and flood warning extended in Nipissing District

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North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority reports water levels on the Mattawa River continue to rise in response to snowmelt in the northern watersheds.  With the addition of 30-40 millimetres of rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, the flood levels pose flooding threats for shoreline properties. The NBMCA has extended its Flood Warning to next Monday.

“Increasing outflow from reservoirs in the Abitibi-Timiskaming region are causing levels to rapidly rise in the Mattawa area,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.

The NBMCA explains “flooding in the low-lying areas in the Town of Mattawa and along the lower Mattawa River is a result of backwater from the Ottawa River. Substantial flow is being passed downstream from Temiskaming, due to the warm weather last weekend causing snowmelt in the north. Otto Holden dam is passing through the flow it receives from Temiskaming, which has a strong effect on the Ottawa River downstream.

“The current forecast peak water level for the Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is 155.50 m (metres above sea level), which is approximately 35 centimetres above its current level, and 5 cm above the NBMCA Flood Warning level. Ottawa River at the Mattawa River has risen 382 cm since April 17.”

As of last night, road closures included Mattawan Street from Main to Sid Turcotte Park Road and Timmins Street. Brook Street from Highway 17 to Ottawa Street is also closed.

The emergency situation continues in Mattawa due to flooding. Photo courtesy of the OPP

Town officials advise property owners in low-lying areas adjacent to the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers to be prepared to evacuate as water levels increase.

Town officials will be working with the Province of Ontario on Disaster Recovery Assistance. If activated, the program could help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property for individuals at their primary residences, small owner-operated businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine their level of coverage. It is considered best practice to photograph all damage throughout the emergency situation and keep all receipts related to damage and clean up.

Photo courtesy of the OPP
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