State of emergency lifted in Sudbury, flood waste relief program unveiled

CTV News weather specialist Rick Wyman has the details of the weather forecast for the next seven days across northeastern Ontario.

Greater Sudbury says it has a flood waste relief program in place to help residential property owners affected by flooding who don’t have flood insurance.

And the city announced May that it was lifting the state of emergency declared in April as flood concerns ease.

The relief program is aimed at people not covered by insurance.

“The program will help eligible residents manage flood-related waste following recent flooding events,” the city said in a news release.

“Approved applicants can deliver flood-related waste to the Sudbury, Azilda or Hanmer landfill sites without paying tipping or gate fees.”

However, the Walden small vehicle transfer station will not accept flood waste relief program loads.

The news comes as Greater Sudbury announced Friday it was lifting its state of emergency.

Water levels declining

“Based on declining water levels and the latest data and projections from Conservation Sudbury, the City of Greater Sudbury has lifted the state of emergency which was declared on April 21,” said a news release May 1.

“Work to protect critical infrastructure began in early April, with crews ramping up mitigation measures as water levels rose, particularly for water and wastewater facilities and linear infrastructure. At the time of declaration, significant snowpack in the northern portion of the watershed, combined with the potential for warmer temperatures and precipitation, created a high risk of widespread overland flooding that had the potential to reach critical thresholds.”

Cooler temperatures and smaller amounts of rain mean that “peak water levels did not materialize and have since stabilized,” the city said.

“Some waterways are still experiencing higher-than-normal flows and Conservation Sudbury continues to monitor these areas closely. Updates are available here.”

In addition to the flood waste relief program, the city said it has shared information with the province “and is assisting as they assess the damage to determine eligibility for potential additional supports through provincial programs.”

Eligibility under the program is limited to flood‑affected residential properties in Greater Sudbury where there is no flood insurance coverage or where a flood insurance claim has been denied for the related waste.

Residents can apply online or by calling 311.

Tipping fee holiday

Flood-damaged items that are not eligible for regular roadside collection should not be placed at the curb.

“This includes construction debris and other flood-related waste, which will not be collected through standard curbside service,” the release said.

“Residents may still place eligible household garbage at the curb if it is within the regular garbage bag limit or placed in properly tagged bags above the limit.”

The city is reminding residents that the spring residential tipping fee holiday will take place May 11-16.

“During this time, tipping fees and the gate fee for residential waste delivered in a private motor vehicle will be waived at all Greater Sudbury landfill and waste transfer sites,” the city said.

“Residents affected by flooding are encouraged to consider this option to dispose of flood-related waste safely and properly.”