Spring flooding triggers road closures, water safety alerts on Manitoulin Island

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Spring melt causes flooding across northeastern Ont.

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Melting ice poses danger: Tribal police warn

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Widespread flooding and road washouts are affecting several areas across Manitoulin Island and surrounding areas as spring thaw accelerates, prompting police to close multiple roads and urge motorists and families to stay clear of fast-moving water.

The Manitoulin OPP detachment issued an advisory Tuesday warning of hazardous driving conditions, with flooding reported on key highways and local roads. Affected areas include:

• Flooding and road washouts around Mindemoya, particularly Highway 542 and Highway 551 from Big Lake to Providence Bay
• Flooding in areas surrounding Kagawong
• Flooding and road washouts in areas surrounding Evansville
• Road washouts along Highway 6 between Little Current and Espanola
• Accumulation of water along Highway 540 in many areas

States-of-Emergency

As a result of severe flooding and washouts several municipalities have declared states-of-emergency, including:

• Township of Assiginack
• Township of Billings
• Municipality of Central Manitoulin
• Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island
• Tehkummah Township

Road closures

Police said several roads are already closed due to washouts, with more closures expected as conditions worsen. Roads closed as of 4 p.m. include:

• Townline Road in the NEMI Township
• Bidwell Road
• Poplar Road from Union Road in Gore Bay
• Ocean Point Road in Gore Bay
• Parts of South Bay Road

“Several roads are washed out in various locations, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions,” said OPP in a social media post.

“Members of the public in affected areas are advised that emergency response times may be delayed,” police added in a subsequent post.

Drive accordingly

OPP also issued the following safety reminders for motorists navigating flooded roadways:

• Slow down and remain alert for standing water, debris and damaged road surfaces.
• Drive according to conditions, flooded roadways can be difficult to see – especially at high speeds. Speeding can result in a sudden loss of control and serious collisions when water is encountered unexpectedly.
• Never attempt to drive through roads that are completely flooded or washed out as the roadway underneath may be unstable or completely gone.
• Do not drive on closed or barricaded roadways.

“Driving on a closed road is dangerous and against the law,” said police.

“OPP is urging motorists to plan accordingly and adjust travel as needed to remain safe.”

Medical services impacted

Mindemoya Hospital is operating under a ‘code grey’ due to “a flood-related infrastructure issue” the Manitoulin Health Centre said in a social media post shortly before 1 p.m.

Officials said the hospital remains open for urgent and essential care. However, outpatient services are affected and may be rescheduled.

The health centre is asking the public to:

• use alternate care options, if available,
• reconsider coming for non-urgent concerns and
• only to visit patients if essential.

Water dangers

Separately, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service issued its own warnings this week about the dangers of fast-moving water from melting ice.

In a video message posted Monday, Const. Adil Manek addressed youth in the community.

“Be aware of the ditches and to be aware to not play around the ditches,” he said.

“Be aware of the shorelines, ensure that you’re looking at the water because right now all the ice is melting, a lot of currents going through.”

A social media post from the Tribal police service also reinforced Manek’s message, warning that creeks, streams and ditches are moving fast with unpredictable conditions.

“These areas may look harmless, but swift currents, slippery banks, and hidden hazards are extremely dangerous,” police said.

The Tribal police service added to ignore what Manek says about March in the video.

“Who knew spring wasn’t coming for a month after?” authorities asked.

Safety reminders

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service provided some general water safety tips, including:

Stay back from all swollen waterways

• Supervise kids closely
• Keep pets leashed
• Avoid ice – it’s weakening fast

In an emergency, police advise calling 911 immediately and not entering the water.

“It’s just a good reminder for everybody to be safe, play safe, enjoy the upcoming good weather,” said Manek.