Innisfil residents are facing a wet start to their summer.
Heavy rain led to flooding in the streets of Innisfil Tuesday morning, causing the town to close several roads including:
- Belle Aire Beach Road from Willow Street to Maple Road
- Maple Road from Spooners Road to Ewart Street
- 7th Line from Quarry Drive to Wingrove Avenue
- Buchanan Street from 9th Line to Crystal Beach Road
- Goodfellow Avenue from 9th Line to Bonsecours Crescent
- Innisfil Beach Road from Jans Boulevard to Adullam Avenue
The town reopened Innisfil Beach Road before noon, once the water drained away.
“I personally have never seen anything like this. It’s really bad,” Helen Deveaux said.
She said she saw cars hydroplaning along 25th Sideroad near 9th Line, and couldn’t even cross the street to get to the stores.
“We were out about 45 minutes ago and we wouldn’t be able to get out of the driveway now,” Deveaux said.
The town said staff were working to deal with the flooding.
“We dispatched staff from the Town of Innisfil to the impacted flood areas this morning to assist with diverting water away from homes and communicating with residents in the affected areas,” Nicole Bowman, director of operations said in an email. “Our crews are still on site diverting the water and we will continue to update residents through our website and social media channels.”
She said some of the properties near the intersection of Belle Aire Beach Road and Maple Road saw about 90 cm of water on the properties, with water as deep as 15 to 20 centimetres going over the roadway.
A notice on the town’s website said town staff deployed pumps along 7th Line in an attempt to prevent water from approaching households.
“During flooding events, residents are advised to use extra caution near flooded areas. Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low-lying areas, and any bodies of water. Do not drive through, stand or walk in any moving water. Account for all your family members, keeping children and pets away from floodwater,” Jane Cocking manager of communications and community engagement said in a press release.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Tuesday morning warning “slow-moving showers or thunderstorms are expected today across the region and some areas may receive significant rainfall amounts.”
It warned that Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Angus could receive as much as 30 to 50 millimetres of rain.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Heavy rainfall in combination with other weather factors, such as hail, wind and lightning will make outdoor activities unsafe,” Environment Canada warned.
Residents can report concerns to the town’s customer service team at [email protected] or 705-436-3710.
