With water levels expected to continue to rise in Mattawa, the town has declared a local emergency.
Minor flooding has already been reported and officials have received notification from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority that levels are expected to reach a peak of about 154.6 meters.
Officials say that is about 45-50 cm higher than the level observed at 8 am on Monday, May 1.
With a plan in place, Mattawa’s public works department will begin operations to berm the water from Mattawan Street.
The town says sandbagging will start on Wednesday, May 3 behind the Mike Rodden Arena, with a start time yet to be announced.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says a flood warning is in effect for the Upper Ottawa River area and a flood watch for the district.
