As of noon on Thursday, November 28, all Flood Warnings for the Lake Erie shoreline have been terminated.
Water levels have generally receded & all roads have been re-opened with the exception of:
Road closures:
A Flood Warning is currently in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline. The currently forecasted lake surge and wave heights are expected to have similar impacts as, or potentially greater than, the two surge events in late October.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry surge forecast model was updated at 2:00 p.m. today
and is forecasting a peak surge elevation of 176.2 m by 6:00 p.m. today. This is a 1.4 m rise above the
current lake level.
While some uncertainty remains in the height of the Lake Erie surge, forecasts indicate a risk for a significant event along the Lake Erie shoreline resulting in flooding, wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion along low-lying areas of the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries.
Lake levels are expected to begin to quickly rise early this afternoon, with the peak currently forecasted for early evening. Inner bay water levels are expected to peak about 1 hour after the lake peaks in Haldimand and Port Dover.
“Property owners along the Lake Erie shoreline should take precautionary measures now and prepare their property as best as possible for another extreme weather event,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief.
Residents living along Lake Erie should pay close attention to water levels and waves in their area and are urged to stay away from the shoreline during this event. Residents are also encouraged to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.
This Flood Warning comes just days before a Flooding Hazards & Preparedness Measures Public Education Centre scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre (275 Ramsey Drive, Dunnville). Staff from the County and Grand River, Long Point Region and Niagara Peninsula conservation authorities will be present to share information and answer questions.
“We’ve already seen the damaging power of Lake Erie and the impacts it can have on our waterways and shorelines. With lake levels as high as they are, we really need property owners to understand the severity of these hazards and know exactly what to do and how to stay informed before, during and after a flood event,” Gallagher added.
The Flood Warning will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.
On Tuesday, November 26, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority issued a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline. The weather event forecasted for tomorrow is expected to be similar in magnitude to the wind storm that occurred on Halloween night.
A low pressure system passing over Southern Ontario tomorrow is forecasted to bring strong sustained southwest winds of 50 to 60km/hour with gusts of up to 90 to 100km/hour. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently predicting Lake Erie water levels to increase by approximately 1.5m (5 ft). Significant wave heights in excess of 2.0m (6.5ft) are also forecasted to occur all along the shoreline from Haldimand County to Fort Erie. Water levels will start to build early afternoon Wednesday and will peak early evening.
If the predicted water levels are reached, flooding of low-lying areas is expected. Shoreline damage is also anticipated with the significant wave heights forecasted. “Property owners along the Lake Erie shoreline should take precautionary measures now and prepare their property as best as possible for another extreme weather event,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief.
Residents living along Lake Erie should pay close attention to water levels and waves in their area and are urged to stay away from the shoreline during this event. Residents are also encouraged to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.
This Flood Watch comes just days before a Flooding Hazards & Preparedness Measures Public Education Centre scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre (275 Ramsey Drive, Dunnville). Staff from the County and Grand River, Long Point Region and Niagara Peninsula conservation authorities will be present to share information and answer questions.
“We’ve already seen the damaging power of Lake Erie and the impacts it can have on our waterways and shorelines. With lake levels as high as they are, we really need property owners to understand the severity of these hazards and know exactly what to do and how to stay informed before, during and after a flood event,” Gallagher added.
The Flood Watch will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.
Haldimand County is inviting residents to attend an information session regarding Lake Erie flooding hazards and preparedness measures on Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre (275 Ramsey Drive, Dunnville). Staff from the County and Grand River, Long Point Region and Niagara Peninsula conservation authorities will be present to share information and answer questions.
While Lake Erie’s static water level has decreased over recent months, there remains a heightened risk of significant shoreline flooding, beach submersion, crawl space/septic system inundation and wave-driven erosion. This risk is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
At the December 2nd information session, residents will have an opportunity to learn about the record high lake levels, the roles each agency plays in watershed/shoreline management and flood response, how to stay informed about flood events, and measures residents can take to protect themselves and their property.
“We’ve already seen the damaging power of Lake Erie and the impacts it can have on our waterways and shorelines. With lake levels as high as they are, we really need property owners to understand the severity of these hazards and know exactly what to do and how to stay informed before, during and after a flood event,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Fire Chief & Manager of Emergency Services.
A brief presentation led by Haldimand County Emergency Services and the Grand River Conservation Authority will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a ‘meet and greet’ with County and conservation authority staff.
Following the presentation, residents are encouraged to visit information stations to ask questions of staff and find out specifics about their property, including whether their property is in a designated flood zone, which conservation authority jurisdiction they fall within & what permits may be required for shoreline protection structures/how to obtain them.
Haldimand County Museum & Archives is hosting a number of programs this December, including its annual Christmas Tea, a Holiday open house, a talk on the history of Christmas traditions and a special lecture on toys from the past. All programs will be held at the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre; registration may be completed online or in-person at any County office.
Historically Speaking: Christmas Customs & Traditions – December 4 (1-3pm)
This year’s Christmas Tea theme centers around the many Christmas customs around the world. Attendees will learn the origins of holiday traditions we practice in Canada and explore unique holiday customs from around the world. Did you know that children in Holland receive presents from Sinterklaas on December 5 (not Christmas eve or day), and that Japanese children receive gifts on their pillow? Scones, a bottomless cup of tea and sweet treats will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 10310.
Holiday Open House at the Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre – December 6 (4:30 to 7:30pm)
Before heading to Light Up Night at the Village Green, residents and visitors are invited to stop by the new Cayuga Library &+Heritage Centre for hot drinks (tea & apple cider), Christmas treats and festive activities. After checking out the new library, museum exhibit & archival space, kids can take part in a fun scavenger hunt and Christmas card craft. Tours of the new, state-of-the art facility will also be provided. No registration is required; just drop in.
Culture Club: Dickens of a Christmas – December 10 (6:30 to 8pm)
In 1848, Dickens published A Christmas Carol and it was an instant hit. His ideal Christmas was full of charity and good will to all. At this talk, attendees will discover the history of Christmas through the eyes of Charles Dickens – and the many Christmas customs and traditions that can be credited to him. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10311.
Heritage Series: Christmas Toyland – December 14 (1 to 3pm)
Every generation has a list of their ‘must have’ toys. In the mid 1800s dolls, wooden blocks, marbles, card games and yo-yos were all the rage. By the 1900s, teddy bears, erector sets and Crayola Crayons were top of the list. Join museum curator Karen Richardson for a fun afternoon reflecting on the past through the world of play. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10312.
For more information on these programs or other Museum offerings, contact the museum at museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-772-5880. A comprehensive schedule of all Museum programs is available in the County’s Community Guide.
Haldimand County is once again seeking community input into enhancing public parks in Cayuga. Following public meetings and workshops held earlier in 2019, a survey has been developed to collect additional ideas from residents to help establish a community-driven vision for the Cayuga parks system.
Feedback is being sought for four parks: the Village Green, Cayuga Library Parkette, Bob Baigent Park and the Cayuga Administration Building/Museum property.
Landscape architecture and planning firm Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. has been facilitating the community engagement process and will produce conceptual preferences for the four public parks. Comments from the public are a valuable part of the design process and will be considered in the final park design recommendations.
Residents are encouraged to take the survey online and provide their comments by November 25.
Anyone seeking further information about the survey or Cayuga parks enhancements in general is encouraged to call 905-318-5932 or e-mail Haldimand County’s Community Development & Partnerships Division at cdp@haldimandcounty.on.ca.
The Haldimand County Police Services Board and Haldimand County O.P.P. Detachment are hosting three ‘Meet & Greet’ open houses to discuss community issues and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about policing.
Meet & Greet schedule:
Jarvis – Thursday, November 28, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jarvis Lawn Bowling Building (2020 Main Street South, Jarvis)
Caledonia – Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Remax Room at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre (3-100 Haddington Street, Caledonia)
Dunnville – Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Optimist Club of Dunnville (101 Main Street East, Dunnville)
The Meet & Greet format will be an open forum moderated by Police Services Board Chair Bernie Corbett. Residents who attend will have the chance to ask questions and chat with both police officers & Police Services Board members. The goal of the ‘Meet & Greet’ sessions is to generate meaningful conversations about community issues, needs and concerns.
More information about policing in Haldimand County, including the 2017-2019 Haldimand County OPP Action Plan, is available at haldimandcounty.ca/police-services.
From photography exhibitions and guest speakers to special children’s and family programming, there’s something for everyone at Caledonia’s Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre this November.
Guest Lecture: ‘The Art of War’ with Ryan Graham – November 9 (2pm)
Join guest lecturer Ryan Graham for a special presentation titled ‘The Art of War’. Art is a reflection of the society that creates it, so what kind of art is produced when that society goes to war? ‘The Art of War’ discusses two artistic interpretations on the subject. The first, the ancient Romans who embraced war through their creative expression of state propaganda, and the second, a radical group of artists rebelling against art itself during WWI. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10387.
P.A. Day Program: ‘Jingle All The Way’ – November 15 (9am to 4pm)
‘Jingle All The Way’ is an entertaining full-day program for kids 5 to 10 years old. Kids will spend the day with Edinburgh Square’s elves and enjoy festive crafts/activities, including: making a snowman buddy, decorating cookies, singing songs and designing special tree ornaments for Light-Up Night. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $26.25 per child. Code: 10381.
Haldimand Photography Club Exhibition Opening Reception – November 15 (6 to 8:30pm)
Edinburgh Square is pleased to welcome back the Haldimand Photography Club’s annual exhibition. The exhibition features a selection of unique photographic works created by talented artists. Stop by for the opening reception & see the Club’s amazing work. The exhibit will remain open until February 21, 2020. Admission is free.
Light-Up Night Festivities at Edinburgh Square – November 28 (6 to 8pm)
Stop by and enjoy the sounds of the season performed by local musician Phyllis Bryce and her students. Special tours of the Centre will also be offered, including a tour of the infamous jail cell. No registration is required for this event, and admission is free. Access to the concert area and jail cell are by stairs only.
Registration for The Art of War & Jingle All The Way may be completed online using the code provided or in-person at any County office. For more information on these programs or other Museum offerings, please contact Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre at esquare.centre@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-765-3134. A comprehensive schedule of all Museum programs is available in the County’s Community Guide.
Overnight on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, severe winds and high waves downed trees and caused roadway flooding & damage throughout Haldimand County. Haldimand County Emergency Services and Roads crews worked through the night to clear debris and close affected roads. Much of the cleanup and damage assessments were completed over the weekend and all roads have now been re-opened.
Lakeshore Rd. east of Reicheld Rd. sustained the most significant damage and crews worked throughout the weekend to remove debris and asphalt heaved by strong waves. Staff have installed a temporary gravel roadway for this affected section of Lakeshore Rd. and the road has been re-opened.
Further updates about the impacts of this storm will be issued as information becomes available.
Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. The Watershed Conditions Statement issued by the Grand River Conservation Authority remains in effect.
Environment Canada is forecasting 70 km/h winds or higher out of the south-west with gusts 90 km/h or higher this evening and continuing into early Friday morning.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Port Colborne to rise 1.4 meters above the current level to an elevation of 176.0 meters (IGLD) and Long Point to rise 0.9 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.5 meters (IGLD). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.8 meters in the Port Colborne area and up to 3.4 meters in the Long Point area. The forecasted lake surge and wave heights are larger in magnitude to what occurred during this past Sunday’s event. Water levels are expected to peak between 10:00 PM Thursday evening and 2:00 AM Friday morning.
Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline if this level is reached.
Haldimand County Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore and implement closures as necessary. Access to the Port Maitland Pier has been closed off and the public is urged to stay away from this area due to expected high winds and waves.
Members of the public are urged to stay away from all shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Residents are also advised to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.
This Flood Watch is in effect until noon on Friday, November 1, 2019.
