Wawa flooding statement from Dalton McGuinty (photo)
Friday, October 26, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
PROVINCE
OF ONTARIO
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Statement by Premier Dalton McGuinty on the flooding in Wawa
Today, Premier Dalton McGuinty released the following statement on the declaration of a state of emergency by the Municipality of Wawa:
Following a night of heavy rain, the Municipality of Wawa has declared a state of emergency as a result of severe flooding.
Our government has been in contact with Wawa Mayor Linda Nowicki to offer support during this challenging time.
Local officials and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are co-ordinating response to the flooding in the Lake Superior area.
Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) is ready to co-ordinate provincial assistance should it become necessary.
The OPP has responded to calls for help and evacuated residents isolated when roads were washed out by the rushing water.
No one has been injured.
Michipicoten First Nation has also declared a state of emergency.
Local roads and highways there are also affected by the heavy rainfall.
The OPP advises that Highway 17 at Wawa is closed in both directions and encourages motorists to stay off the roads.
Work is currently underway to reopen the road.
The storm has also caused a disruption of 9-1-1 services in Michipicoten First Nation and Dubreuilville.
Bell Canada is working to re-establish the service.
EMO has deployed a field officer and is in contact with local officials to provide advice and relay any requests for assistance.
It is my understanding the situation is improving and that one road is now passable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the area, and we hope this situation is remedied without lasting harm.
We'll continue to monitor progress closely, and we are prepared, if called upon, to take action to help the people of Wawa and the Michipicoten First Nation.
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Editor's note: The photo above was submitted to SooToday.com by Maureen Hutchinson-Parker, owner of the Northern Lights Motel in Wawa. Erosion caused by heavy rain fall has destroyed the motel.
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steelworker 10/26/2012 4:48:47 PM ReportThanks for nothing Dalton.
steve53000 10/26/2012 5:45:55 PM ReportPROMISES PROMISES
cityhallguy 10/26/2012 5:49:55 PM ReportI'm sure the negativism will help!!!
What do you suppose should be done at this time? It's not life threatening!!!
stiJJy 10/26/2012 7:01:50 PM ReportCouple of keyboard heroes.
steve53000 10/26/2012 7:23:20 PM ReportI happen to have vested interest in the area and I sure do know that the politicians REALLY have no care for northern ontario
deputy dan 10/26/2012 7:36:02 PM ReportI just wonder if the response would be the same if this happened in the GTA.
sitka_archie 10/26/2012 7:48:11 PM ReportDalton stay the hell out of the Norths problems.We dont need you tryin' to "help" with anything. You couldn't help blow up a balloon for christs sake.....
sebesam 10/27/2012 12:01:34 AM Report@ city hall guy Did the statement say state of emergency
sebesam 10/27/2012 12:09:58 AM ReportOkay then let's all get together to send food to Wawa I'll meet you all at highway 17 north @ 5th line let's say tomorrow around 10:30 am bring all the food you can to support. Maybe we can knock a city fence down but for a good cause..Ah we know a few good men in this town that like to drive truck?
Witchi-poo 10/27/2012 1:33:31 AM ReportThe double (political) highway ended around Parry Sound, then expanded north to...? Did anyone actually see the monetary politicians arrive this far north where they would have to actually drive on the northern roads? Northern communities would have had more acknowledgement and availability of (government) funds if any one member of OUR Parliament representatives drove into one of these recent northern (sink) holes. Northerners pay their taxes, which pays for...? Remember, they say that our votes are our politicians. Please...remember Kashechewan
jojo12345 10/29/2012 12:14:45 AM Reportstill think it is more than a flood who cause all this
will not be brave to be in Wawa right now
they better have some ingenior checking this situation
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