Brantford floodwaters remain ‘high risk’
About 4,900 people have been displaced as officials warn to remain ‘vigilant’
Floodwaters in Brantford are “unpredictable and high risk” as areas near the Grand River remain under an evacuation order for a second day, the city’s mayor said.
Brantford Mayor Chris Friel said the evacuation order will remain in effect until late Thursday at least. A state of emergency was declared in the city west of Hamilton at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“Stay away from the river,” Friel told media Thursday. “Did I say that strongly enough?”
The flooding comes after milder temperatures, melting snow and rainfall led to an ice jam upstream at the Parkhill Dam in Cambridge. The blockage cleared at 2 a.m. Wednesday, sending a surge of water downstream.
Early Wednesday morning Brantford ordered three neighbourhoods — Holmedale, Old West Brant and Eagle Place — to evacuate immedi-
“Stay away from the river. Did I say that strongly enough?” CHRIS FRIEL BRANTFORD MAYOR
ately and is strongly urging everyone in the flood plain to leave.
About 4,900 people were displaced. Friel asked residents to stay away from the affected neighbourhoods until crews can properly assess the situation. Hundreds were also without power Thursday.
“Several homes have sustained sig- nificant damage,” he said.
Upstream, near Orangeville, OPP continued searching for a missing toddler swept out of his mother’s arms by Grand River floodwaters early Wednesday. Searchers said there was little chance Kaden Young, 3, would be found alive.
Dwight Boyd of the Grand River Conservation Authority told media Thursday that ice jams could still back up waterways, and residents will have to wait until water levels recede further.
“We need to be vigilant for the next 24 hours,” he said.