High water levels, flooding, and ice building up on shore prompted another area municipality to declare a state of emergency today.
Temiskaming Shores joins Mattawa and West Nipissing in making the declaration.
"Due to the current water levels of Lake Temiskaming and prevailing winds has resulted in the shifting of ice along the shoreline. The STATO trail, Boardwalk and Fleming Drive have been closed for public use along the shoreline as well as all municipal marinas until further notice.
"Declaring a State of Emergency will allow the City the ability to take necessary measures to protect critical infrastructure," says the Temiskaming Shores website.
"Given the flooding issues across Ontario, especially in the Ottawa region, it is anticipated water levels will continue to rise in Lake Temiskaming, thus further closures of public facilities and/or roadways may be required."
Lake Temiskaming water levels are currently sitting at 179.70 m and are forecast to rise another 0.5 m reaching 180.20 m over the next five days.
Mayor Carman Kidd says he hasn't seen these levels in at least 40 years.
Reports say every dock but one has been destroyed along the Haileybury waterfront.
The Temiskaming Detachment of the OPP says the area near the lake on Fleming Drive has been closed down, and barricades are in place.
Temiskaming OPP warns the public to remain away from the area and any closed roads.
"Some members of the public are breaching the barricades and attempting to take pictures of the water and ice buildup.," said Constable Miles Loach. "Police want to ensure that everyone is safe."
Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and unstable at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard.
Meanwhile. the city says its manpower and efforts will be focused on the protection of municipal assets, especially those related to the sanitary sewer collection system.
