While Lakeshore remains in a state of enhanced activation, and Kingsville offers its residents more sandbags to hold off flooding, a petition is making the rounds calling on municipal leaders to call a state of emergency for all of Essex County.
"Residents of Wahneta Avenue in LaSalle spoke to the office of Taras Natyshak today about the flooding and incurred damages that are not insured," read the petition launched by Sarah Preney five days ago. "They informed us that they are hoping the government will declare a state of emergency in order to provide relief funding for those affected. To make that happen, we need to make our voices heard by town officials, government representatives and the media."
Flooding is seen on Front Road in LaSalle on July 8, 2019. Photo courtesy of Town of LaSalle.
"We, as well as our neighbours, are currently dealing with the prospect of catastrophic home and property damage and possible health issues due to the growth of mould," continued the petition. "The Town of LaSalle is providing free sandbags, but this is simply not enough. Not even close. We need help, and we need a plan. We need action."
The petition urges those impacted by flooding to email office of MPP Taras Natyshak.
So far, the petition has gathered just shy of 500 signatures.
Natyshak said a petition is a great way to spread awareness of the situation, and to communicate with municipal officials how frustrated those living along the shore are, but residents can not request a state of emergency on their own. He said that would have to come from municipal leaders to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
After that, the ministry may decide to send a team down to Essex County to assess the need for relief funding under the Disaster Assistance Relief Program.
He admitted he could understand why municipal governments may be reluctant to make the request.
"There could be long-term depreciation for the value of that residential area or even commercial area. A review of the nature of the infrastructure that exists," said Natyshak. "It's something that I don't think the municipalities take lightly. And they shouldn't."
He also said residents should not count on relief funding, even if the assessment team decides it is warranted.
Windsor residents deal with widespread flooding in the city,
August 29, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Dora Amelia Belanger)
"If we take Windsor as an example and the floods two years ago, some residents received support, some didn't, even they were within blocks of each other," explained Natyshak. "It's a complicated program and a long process."
Natyshak said residents are aware of the risks associated with living along a large body of water that has fluctuating water levels, but over the past few years, the anxiety has increased.
"They're wondering if this is just the beginning of something that's more severe," he said. "It makes people think if it's viable to live along those watersheds and what they might need to continue to live there. I think it's something that we have to discuss as a community as to proper planning, proper support, and what we do around addressing climate change."
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Meanwhile, in Kingsville, town officials have made sandbags available to those living around Heritage Road, Cedar Road, and Cedar Island Drive.
"Recognizing the ongoing reports of elevated water levels along our shorelines and natural watercourses, the Town of Kingsville is looking to offer additional support to property owners by providing sandbags at our local filling station," said Mayor Nelson Santos. "A few residents recently began asking for this opportunity. In response, the town has now received its shipment of burlap sandbags and is ready to offer them at no cost to our residents."
The program is a last resort for residents who have suffered catastrophic loss.
Sandbags are available now at the Kingsville Arena on Jasperson Drive between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday. It is first-come, first-served until the supply runs out, and proof of residency is required.
Sand is also available at the northeast corner of the Cedar Beach parking lot.
Lakeshore remains a step below a state of emergency because of high water levels on Lake St. Clair.
It is offering sand at the following locations:
* Lighthouse Cove Lion's Park on Melody Drive * Gracey Sideroad at Lakeshore Road 301 * Former Belle River Arena on Rourke Line * Golfview Drive Lakefront Parkette * Town of Lakeshore West Public Works on Puce Road * Town of Lakeshore East Public Works on County Road 31
Sandbags are also available at the Atlas Tube Centre and in Lighthouse Cove at Lion's Park. Proof of residency is required.