The provincial government is keeping a close eye on the flood situation in northern Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford says he is taking steps to ensure emergency personnel and help can be deployed right away.
The ‘Ontario Flood War Room’ is in Peterborough where teams are monitoring water levels and flows 24 hours a day.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says “In the Far North, current projections show a moderate to high risk of flooding for the James and Hudson Bay coasts. On Thursday, my Ministry launched surveillance flights to assess conditions in this area.”
“We will continue to closely monitor the flooding situation in the Far North as the spring ice break-up occurs.”
Yakabuski says recognizing the impact of COVID-19 on municipalities this year, the government is taking the lead on identifying suitable locations to host potential evacuees.
He stresses they are also working to minimize the reliance on municipal resources for various supports, including health care and social services.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones says they are working closely with Indigenous partners.
“First Nations leaders have expressed a strong preference to stay on their land for as long as it’s safe to do so. We respect those wishes and will remain in close contact with First Nations leaders to ensure we are ready to respond if community needs escalate.”
