FRENCH RIVER, ON- While conditions have gotten more stable in French River, the mayor is still firmly opposed to more water being released from the area dams.
On Thursday, French River mayor Gisele Pageau told the MyParrySoundNow.com newsroom that the hold on water being released is still in place, though it is being revisited every morning as winds on Lake Nipissing influence water levels.
According to Pageau, if the lake reaches a certain level water will be released from the dams, and right now that number is within a centimetre of being reached.
She indicated that she is heavily opposed to any more water releases in the area.
““Our position is no,” said Pageau.
“I can tell you that right now, we can’t take any more. If they release any more, then it would be catastrophic here. Our position is still no.”
Nine roads in the community are underwater, which is forcing residents along those routes to access their property via boat or canoe.
A bulletin from the community stated that water levels throughout the Wolseley Bay area, Ranger Bay area and Dry Pine Bay area have stabilized.
Residents are still being urged to be prepared and to take precautionary measures to protect their dwellings.
The residents in the following areas are vulnerable to increased flooding:
- Wolseley Bay area (Hwy 528, Hwy 528A, Ash Bay Rd, Green Bay Rd)
- Ranger Bay area – (Brousseau, Leger, Turenne, Jean, Gilbert, Lise, Voyageur, etc.)
- Dry Pine Bay area – (Bakers’ Bay, Whippoorwill, Dry Pine, Cowbay, Hwy 607, Hwy 607A, etc.)
At this time, sandbagging efforts have ceased, and a sufficient stock has been reached to help residents in need.