No cost estimate yet on Markstay-Warren flood damage

The Municipality of Markstay-Warren remains under a state of emergency, although all roads save one within the community are now open to traffic.

The community declared the state of emergency April 19 due to flooding following heavy rain.

Mayor Sonja Flynn said Monday the emergency order will only be lifted once municipal services can return fully to normal.

“I'm guardedly optimistic (about the state of emergency) if we get more rain this week,” she said.

The mayor also said it was too early too tell how much dealing with the flooding, which closed seven roads due to flooding, poor conditions or washouts, will cost the municipality. At least two culverts will need to be replaced on MacLean Road, Flynn said.

MacLean remains closed.

Although the Nepewassi Lake Road Bridge has been safety inspected and is open to light traffic (limited to three tonnes), engineering firm K. Smart Associates Limited is being brought in to give it a complete once over. Residents are asked not to use the bridge unless absolutely necessary.

“We need engineers to assess the structure of the bridge,” Flynn said. “That will happen as soon as possible.”

She thanked residents for their patience during the emergency and expressed appreciation for the assistance from Emergency Management Ontario, ORNGE, the OPP and the MNR.

The road closures affected 17 homes and cottages, and roughly 25 full-time residences. Among the roads closed by flooding were 3rd Concession Road, MacLean Road, Nepewassi Lake Road, St. Germain Road, Sutcliffe Road and Tex's Road.

EMS and the OPP were advised of the closures and put on notice. The MNR kept the municipality apprised of peaking water levels during the weekend.

Highway 537, located in the region, between Highway 17 and Highway 69, was closed for a time during the evening of April 19 due to flooding over the highway. On the weekend, the OPP were advising residents to “use extreme caution” on the highway because of the continued flooding.

Residents who have any concerns are asked to phone the municipal information centre at 705-853-4536 or 1-866-710-1065. If it's an emergency, they're asked to phone 911.

For more information and updates, check the municipality's website at markstay-warren.ca.