As the flooding conditions in Kenora continue to worsen on rural roads in the area, the city is providing sandbags to residents to pick up and fill.
Residents in need of sandbags can receive them at Fire Hall Station 1, 100 14th Street North. Additional sand is available just down from the Fire Hall on 14th Street North, near the city’s Operations Centre.
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry is making sandbags available to homeowners in the unorganized area of Kenora. Sandbags for non-residents can be picked up at the Ministry office on Robertson Street.
The city adds that road crews are currently focusing their efforts on the East Melick/Essex Road intersection to address the flooding in that area. They are trying to build up the road, so a full washout can be avoided. Motorists are encouraged to use an alternative route if at all possible to avoid the area and allow crews to continue their work.
Individuals and families are reminded to be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours. Vulnerable residents should ensure they have adequate food supplies and medicines on hand in case they lose their road access.
Essex Road at Hooterville Trail along with Essex Road at Millership Swamp remains impassable and should not be used. Residents are reminded to not travel through water that is over the roads as the road may be washed out under the water. Caution should be used when using Coker Road at Kelly Road as water is over the road at these locations.
The city will continue to update residents through the local media and the city’s social media pages. They encourage the public to follow these avenues to gain further information on the situation.
On Tuesday evening (May 10, 2022), the City of Kenora declared a Local State of Emergency, due to the increased flooding risk throughout the area.