The City of Brantford has lifted an evacuation order for areas at risk of flooding from the Grand River.
“The City can now confirm that the water levels have receded to an extent that the threat of ongoing flooding has dissipated,” officials said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“Therefore, effective immediately, the evacuation order has been lifted in all previously identified flood threat areas including Holmedale, Old West Brant and Eagle Place.”
WATCH: Owners of flood-damaged Brantford homes brace for insurance woes. Mark Carcasole reports.
A City of Brantford spokesperson told Global News that the state of emergency is still in place until officials can complete damage assessments.
Nearly 2,200 homes and up to 4,900 residents were affected by rising water levels as a result of an ice jam upstream of Parkhill Dam that broke away around 2 a.m. Wednesday and caused a surge of water downstream.
“We are still in a dynamic situation. At its highest peak, the water levels reached 6.99 metres. Yesterday at 9 a.m., it was at 6.03 metres,” Friel said.
READ MORE: 3-year-old boy missing after minivan swept into Grand River, near Orangeville, Ont.
Even though conditions have improved, officials said there is still a safety hazard.
“The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a very serious hazard,” a statement from the City of Brantford read.
“Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off frozen water bodies, which will be extremely unsafe as a result of the warming trend.
WATCH: Ice jams in Brantford, Ont. release leading to state of emergency, evacuations
Residents impacted by the evacuation order are being told not to return to their homes until it is deemed safe by city officials.
The Woodman Community Centre at 491 Grey St. is being used as temporary shelter for those unable to find a place to stay.
WATCH: Brantford Mayor Chris Friel updates the flooding situation and warns people to stay away from water areas and the major affected area.
City officials are advising people to stay away from the river and not to come down and take photos.
“Stay away from the evacuated areas. If a road is closed, do not move the pylons to go down and take pictures. This is not a family event,” Brantford Mayor Chris Friel said.
The Lorne and Veteran Memorial Parkway bridges have reopened after flooding, but other primary roads are still affected:
• Gilkinson Street
• Ballantyne Drive to Daubiny Park
• River Road & Birkett’s Lane (Erie Ave to Baldwin Ave)
Officials have released a full list of street closures.
City officials said residents who need assistance are asked to call the City of Brantford Contact Centre at 519-759-4150.
WATCH: Drone footage shows devastation of Brantford, Ont. flooding
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