High water handled well, says mayor
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Although the water in most lakes, rivers, streams and ponds has receded across Innisfil, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority issued a high water safety bulletin for the region last week. Officials say watercourses throughout the area are still dangerous, with higher than average flows.

Mayor Brian Jackson quickly came to the defence of his staff, days after the annual spring thaw flooded streets throughout the town.

"Staff did an excellent job; we were prepared and jumped right into action," he said. "We knew what was going to happen, we'd been meeting a number of weeks prior to this. Our initial reaction, this year and in other years, have attempted to relieve the stress on our residents."

Last week, rain and double digit temperatures caused snowmelt across the town. The snowmelt lead to higher than average water levels in local lakes, streams, ponds and rivers.

In fact, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority issued a high water safety bulletin for the area late last week.

Although LSRCA officials say the likelihood of flooding in the area is slim, they still warn residents to be cautious around local watercourses.

"While no flooding is anticipated, the mix of warm temperatures, rain and snowmelt (particularly in the northern parts of our watershed) will result in increased flows and water levels in all of our creeks and streams, resulting in dangerous conditions," said LSRCA duty officer Jennifer Payne. "In addition, the rainfall and temperatures will make stream banks and slopes extremely dangerous.

"At this time, flows in the watercourses have peaked and water levels have dropped."

Payne says ice covered creeks and streams should be avoided, while areas near bridges and culverts are also considered dangerous.

Children should also be warned to stay away from watercourses and ponds, she said.

Jackson says town staff had worked diligently to prepare for the anticipated flooding.

"We tried to mitigate the effect of flooding as best we could in our municipality," he said. "A lot of these flooding situations can't be remedied without significant investment, involving millions of dollars and movement of persons."

The high water bulletin was in effect until yesterday.