Advertisement

Brantford, Ont., evacuation order lifted as flood risk reduces, state of emergency continues

Click to play video: 'New drone footage shows extent of flooding, ice jams along Grand River'
New drone footage shows extent of flooding, ice jams along Grand River
New drone footage shows extent of flooding, ice jams along Grand River – Feb 22, 2018

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.

Click to play video: 'Owners of flood-damaged Brantford homes brace for insurance woes'
Owners of flood-damaged Brantford homes brace for insurance woes

A City of Brantford spokesperson told Global News that the state of emergency is still in place until officials can complete damage assessments.

Story continues below advertisement

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.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“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

Click to play video: 'Ice jams in Brantford, Ont. release leading to state of emergency, evacuations'
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.

Story continues below advertisement

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.

Click to play video: 'Mayor asks people to stay away from flooding areas in Brantford, Ont'
Mayor asks people to stay away from flooding areas in Brantford, Ont

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)

Story continues below advertisement

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

Click to play video: 'Drone footage shows devastation of Brantford, Ont. flooding'
Drone footage shows devastation of Brantford, Ont. flooding

Sponsored content

AdChoices