Flooding delays summer tourism in French River

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French River summer tourism season stalled by recent flooding

Several northeastern Ontario flood alerts remain in effect

Northeastern Ontario long weekend brings mixed weather

Summer tourism across Ontario usually kicks into high gear once the Victoria holiday long weekend arrives, but in the French River area some operators say their bottom line has been impacted by the recent flooding.

For the owners of Great Escape Cabins on the Murdock River those obstacles are due to a road closure.

The year-round business is located on Highway 607 in the Municipality of French River – a roadway the Ministry of Transportation has closed due to flooding.

“Unfortunately, the road is still flooded and MTO hasn’t opened it back up again,” said Caitland Hobbs, the owner of Great Escape Cabins, on Friday.

“Even just a one-lane access would be nice. But we’re stuck in a closed road zone, so our hands are tied.”

The municipality has been under a state of emergency for the past six weeks.

Mayor Gisèle Pageau said it’s been exhausting for residents and for tourism operators whose livelihoods have been impacted.

“This flooding is just not letting up at all, so some people can’t open, others are partially open. But it’s tough for them,” Pageau said.

Nobbs said this is why shopping locally is important.

“If we don’t receive that continued support as a small business, these businesses start to close,” she said.

This would normally be a busy weekend for Great Escape Cabins, as tourists coming into the community would be visiting the store to purchase bait, tackle and other supplies.

But Nobbs said many customers don’t want to risk travelling on a closed road, which could lead to charges or a fine. If there is an incident, their insurance policies may not provide coverage if the vehicle was on closed roads.

Nobbs said that those customers who call in an order, she’s been meeting them on the other side of the road closure sign to deliver the supplies, using her side-by-side vehicle.

Nobbs co-owns the business with her husband and says the two of them persevere through obstacles that crop up, telling each other ‘to dig in and keep going.’

In an email to CTV News, the Ministry of Transportation said:

“The safety of the travelling public is our top priority, and we recognize the impact this closure has on travellers and communities. Ministry staff and our maintenance contractor are actively monitoring conditions on Highway 607 and they are working to address repairs and restore highway access as soon as possible.”

For tourism operators in the Municipality of French River opening for the summer could take a few more weeks.

“If everything goes well and we don’t get rain or very little rain, we should be okay within 10 days, maybe 14,” said Pageau on May 15.

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