HAMILTON, ON – July 26, 2009 – The City of Hamilton has activated an Emergency Control Group to respond to issues resulting from heavy rain that has fallen in Hamilton over the last several hours.
These heavy rains have caused extensive flooding overland in various areas of the city. There currently are over 1,000 homes that have experienced flooding in their basements. In addition, heavy volumes of rains and a power outage have impacted the operations of the main pump station at the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant causing a large influx of water into the wet well. Currently, seven pumps are running at full capacity and the plant is running on back-up generators. This is not currently having any major impact to the flooding, but if the City experiences another wave of high intense rainfall the Treatment Plant could be affected.
Areas affected:
An estimated 1,000 homes have been impacted in the Lower City.
Current response actions:
Operations staff are removing debris from catchbasins to allow water to flow into natural watercourses.
The Emergency Control Group is reviewing contingency plans for any other developments.
Road and facility closures:
The following roads/intersections have been closed as a result of flooding:
- Beach Boulevard
- Red Hill Valley Parkway
- Woodward/Burlington Street to Barton Street
- QEW and Burlington Street
- Various other local roads in the City
Health & Safety Tips:
Children should be cautioned from playing near high water as a result of flooding.
In any flooding situation residents must be aware of potential hazards associated with submerged live electrical wires, electrical equipment and water damaged appliances and devices.
If you are uncertain as to the extent of flooding damage, DO NOT PROCEED with cleanup until a qualified electrician has assessed the situation. Once repairs are completed, the Electrical Safety Authority will be required to complete a safety inspection prior to the electrical service being reconnected.
Gas equipment including gas meters that are impacted by flood waters will require that the gas service be disconnected. Union Gas will inspect the gas meter and all appliances prior to your service being reconnected.
Motorists are advised that some traffic signals at some intersections are on flashers and should be treated with caution.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
-- 30 --
Media Contact:
Kelly Anderson
Public Affairs Coordinator
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424 x1430