‘Please prepare yourself for the worst’: French River mayor issues flood warning

French River Mayor Gisèle Pageau is warning residents to be aware and take protection from local flooding.

“We are watching the areas of Wolseley Bay, Ash Bay and Dry Pine is in bad shape right now,” she said.

“The MTO closed 607 because the road is completely damaged and under water and there’s more water to come.”

Pageau said the situation is expected to deteriorate significantly by the end of the week.

“People will start seeing more water coming, likely starting this afternoon and throughout the day for the rest of the week and it’ll be a lot of water,” she said.

Homes already flooded as residents resist evacuation

The mayor said many residents have already been forced from their properties.

“People from Baker’s Bay some of their houses are already filled with water. One just down the road here on Brousseau – her house, the water has come in,” said Pageau.

Pageau confirmed the Alban Community Centre will be turned into an emergency shelter for those without anywhere to go.

Students, search and rescue teams pitch in

Grade 7 and 8 students from nearby Monetville Public School spent the day outside the community centre filling sandbags – with the goal of fillin 500 bags.

“I’ve taught at Monetville public school for 25 years and our community has been really supportive of our school over the years,” said teacher David Mitchell.

“So, I look at this as a great opportunity to give back to a community that’s looked after us.”

The students were joined by local search and rescue teams.

“A couple of years ago, Emergency Management Ontario did expand the people that they’re bringing to local emergencies to include search and rescue teams. So, here we are not looking for somebody, not looking for this person, but helping out the community,” said team member Gordan Lane.

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