Fort Frances, Couchiching declare state of emergency
Heavy rains flood drainage ditches, wash out roads
The town of Fort Frances and the nearby Couchiching First Nation both declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of heavy rainfall.
Emergency Management Ontario said despite the declarations, neither community had requested provincial help as of Thursday afternoon.
The acting chief of Couchiching said the high water table is raising concerns about flooding of the sewage system and drainage ditches.
"We have some areas where water is over the roads and it has sort of isolated half dozen homes," David Bruyere said.
More rain is forecast over the weekend, causing further concern, Bruyere said.
Sewage plant in by-pass mode
The Town of Fort Frances said its sewage treatment plant is operating in by-pass mode as of Friday morning, with some sections of the sanitary sewer operating at maximum capacity. The town is currently working to stabilize the plant, according to the Fort Frances website.
The town is asking homeowners to ensure their sump pumps are disconnected from the sewer system.
An information line has been set up by the town, for anybody with questions or concerns regarding flooding. The number is (807) 274-1818.
Flooding closed the highway west of Fort Frances on Thursday.