PUBLIC NOTICE
As a component of the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority’s (CCCA) Flood Warning and Operations Plan, the CCCA is issuing a PUBLIC NOTICE to all residents within the CCCA administrative area to be aware of the upcoming 2024-2025 winter flood season. The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is urging residents of all flood prone areas in the watershed particularly in the Hamlet of Port Bruce that due to the possible adverse weather conditions associated with the winter season a high probability exists for in channel water level increases and possible flooding of low-lying flood prone areas within the watershed.
Due to possible winter weather conditions coupled with a probable snow pack, the potential for flooding exists in flood prone areas of the watershed. These adverse winter weather conditions coupled with deteriorating ice circumstances on the Catfish Creek and its tributaries have the potential to create hazardous circumstances in and around any waterways within the CCCA administrative area. Primary concerns would be increasing water levels, intensifying water flows and possible obstructions to riverine ice transport that result in high water flows, unsafe channel bank conditions and other unpredictable dangers around waterways, adjacent fields, parkland, urban storm drains, small streams, creeks, or other hazardous areas.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution near bodies of water, and to keep children away from waterways during such adverse conditions. Residents are asked to watch local winter weather conditions closely and take appropriate responsible action.
The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources Aylmer District, and the Township of Malahide request the co-operation of all Port Bruce residents to remove all seasonal docks and support structures from the waters of Catfish Creek. This request is intended to assist in reducing potential impacts because of flooding and/or in channel ice build-up.
Leaving obstructions in the channel could accelerate ice build-up and adversely affect the movement of ice through Port Bruce. Channel flow patterns around obstructions may also accelerate creek-bank erosion during high run-off periods. Boat docks will dislodged due to flooding or ice jam events, which will pose a serious safety threat to the public. In addition, we request that all other floatable objects such as; picnic tables, propane tanks, barrels, etc. are removed or secured within flood prone areas.
Further to the above outlined difficulties/complications, it is critical that residents evacuate the Hamlet of Port Bruce during Flood Warnings in an early and timely manner. By not complying when requested, residents put in danger the first responders attempting to evacuate them under such adverse conditions.
Further inquiries relative to this matter may be directed to the attention of Peter Dragunas, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, (519-773-9037) ext. 19.
Thank you for your prompt attention regarding this matter.