Some good and bad news for beleaguered Mattawa residents.
Town officials say flooding conditions throughout the municipality improved overnight, however water levels are due to rise again sometime during today.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says that water levels are expected to rise another 30-40 centimetres (15 inches) during the course of this emergency event.
At this time Mattawan Street from Main to Sid Turcotte Park Road and Timmins Street remains closed. Highway 17 is still open.
Town officials are advising that property owners in low lying areas adjacent to the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers consider, and be prepared for the possible evacuation of their residences due to increasing water levels. Any resident in need of sandbag support should call the municipal office at 705-7 44-5611.
A sandbag return location will be prepared once the emergency situation has stabilized.
Mayor Dean Backer said displaced residents can go the Mattawa Legion located at 360 Hurdman Street, which will be open all day long to serve food and refreshments.
The Mattawa-North Bay Algonquin First Nation office will serve dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Madadjiwan Cultural Centre located at 318 Main Street. The offer extends to all employees of the municipality, including the Fire Department, other emergency services, affected residents, and all volunteers who are assisting the Mattawa residents.
Town officials will be working with the Province of Ontario on disaster recovery assistance. If activated by the province, the program could help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property for individuals, small owner-operated businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine level of coverage. photograph all damage throughout the emergency, and keep all receipts related to damage and clean up.
