The Town of Tecumseh continues to remind residents in areas of concern that lake flooding is still a risk this fall. The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) extended their flood warning to October 15 due to current lake conditions and potential for wind. The Town is sending out postcards to residents living within the flood impact zone to remind them to prepare for potential evacuation and reach out to the Town should they need evacuation assistance. This is part of the Flood Response planning the Town has been engaged in since July.

“We know there are a number of elderly and limited mobility individuals that live in Town who may not be able to evacuate on their own,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “We want them to reach out to us so we can assist in the event of an evacuation to ensure all our residents are safe. The postcards provide details on how to register for assistance as well as information on how to register for Emergency Alerts and prepare for evacuation.”

Full details on potential lake flooding as well as the Town’s response is available on the Town website at www.tecumseh.ca/lakeflooding. A direct link to register for Emergency Alert notifications is at the top of the page. The Emergency Alert system was introduced in 2016 with more than 8,000 numbers registered.

Tecumseh convened a Flood Response Team earlier this year following a presentation from ERCA at Council regarding increased lake levels this year. Since their first meeting on July 25, the team has put together flood impact maps, developed evacuation plans, coordinated an evacuation centre with the Red Cross, and continued to provide updates to the public on potential impacts in Town.

Lake St. Clair is currently sitting 24 cm higher than this time last year and is 76 cm above the long-term average for September. Sustained winds above 30-40 km per hour for five hours or more along the shoreline will create an elevated risk of flooding due to waves. The Town has been working to protect infrastructure like low lying shoreline areas, roads and pump stations along Lake St. Clair and Pike Creek and has provided sandbags to residents.

Postcards are being distributed predominantly in Wards 1, 2 and 3 where surveys and mapping have indicated flooding from the lake and sewer surcharging may occur depending on wind direct and speed, rainfall and water that may breach the shoreline. Elderly or limited mobility residents who need assistance in an evacuation scenario are encouraged to call Town Hall at 519-735-2184 Ext. 109 or Ext. 101 to register for evacuation assistance.

Media Contact: Lesley Reeves, Manager Strategic Initiatives, 519-735-2184 Ext. 150