The mayor of Mattawa, Ont., declared a state of emergency on Monday after being advised that two feet of water will be released by the Otto Holden Dam by Tuesday.
Town officials have advised residents in low-lying areas next to the Ottawa and Mattawa rivers to consider and be prepared to evacuate their homes due to increasing water levels.
Increasing outflow from reservoirs in the Abitibi-Timiskaming region is causing levels to rapidly rise in the Mattawa area.
According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, rainfall of up to 25 millimetres will begin on Thursday, with peak levels expected on the area’s upper river section Wednesday through Friday, depending on the location.
The Canadian Red Cross has announced that affected residents may receive up to $600 to help them meet their immediate needs.
Mattawan Street from Main Street to Sid Turcotte Park Road and Timmins Street have been closed. Brook Street from Highway 17 to Ottawa Street has also been closed, in addition to a section at the corner of Twelfth and Bissett streets.
The Mattawa Legion will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to serve food and refreshments
The Mattawa and North Bay Algonquin First Nation Office will serve dinner on Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 318 Main St.
Residents who need sandbags can call the town’s municipal office at 705-744-5611.
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