Residents Urged to Watch for Sinkholes and Scams as Recovery Efforts Continue

Residents of St. Catharines, Ont., are being warned to stay alert for sudden sinkholes that might appear on roads as the damage from recent severe storms that flooded parts of the city becomes more evident.

Engineers specializing in embankment stability are being called in to address a sloped area in Port Dalhousie that has suffered greatly due to the flooding, which poses a risk to nearby homes.

City workers have been stepping up during this emergency, working extra hours on their days off to clean up after Sunday’s storm and get ready for additional rain expected over the next week.

Tim Marotta, director of municipal works, mentioned that Geneva Street had to be shut down on Wednesday as contractors hurried to repair it after a large sinkhole appeared.

“When those voids get large enough.. it can be very dangerous,” he told on Thursday. “There’ll be a vehicle going down the street, and then the road is gone. We do take them seriously.”

Caution advised: report signs of sinkholes

Marotta noted that increased reports of sinkholes require crews or contractors to act quickly because of safety concerns.

The city is asking anyone who sees a dip or soft area in roads to report it immediately at 905-688-5600 or via an online reporting form.

A part of Lakeshore Road also had to close at Walker’s Creek on Thursday while contractors did emergency work digging up and repairing a sewer line damaged by flooding.

City officials are carefully watching an eroded slope in Port Dalhousie where homes on Canal Street overlook historic Dalhousie House.

“This is a big concern for safety,” said Marotta. “We’re concerned about preservation of a historical building. But more importantly, concerned about the safety of the folks that live at the top of that hill.”

The city plans to consult experts for advice on how best to handle this issue, he said.

With additional rain predicted over several days this week, Marotta stated crews have been busy making sure catch basins are cleared, grates on drainage pipes are free from debris, and taking many other steps so that the city is ready for any upcoming storms.

Cautious atmosphere lingers after floods

He admitted that tension remains high since thousands of homes have experienced flooding multiple times. Mayor Mat Siscoe mentioned on Tuesday that entire neighborhoods were inundated, with some cars even floating down streets.

“We understand the anxiety that’s out there,” said Marotta. “We’re feeling it ourselves. A lot of folks I work with here have had basement flooding too; we’ve suffered from it.”

“So, yeah, [there’s] that anxiety over the next storm, the next rainfall.”

At a news conference this week , Siscoe expressed concern about vulnerable individuals such as seniors who may still have backed-up sewage from as far back as July 27/28 storm stuck in their basements without help.

The city has set up a vulnerable persons registry aimed at assisting people needing help removing water and waste from their properties. Those interested can fill out an online form or call 905-688-5600 for assistance.

The city announced Thursday they’ve expanded curbside garbage collection for flood-related waste across all areas.

Tipping fees will also be waived at both Humberstone landfill and Bridge Street waste/recycling drop-off until August 15 , limited per load not exceeding one pickup truck/trailer.

Bins designated specifically for flood-related waste will be available at Bill Burgoyne Arena and St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre accessible Monday through Friday between 9 AM -4 PM ; proof residency required.

Niagara Regional Police have also alerted residents regarding scammers preying upon those affected by flooding. In their social media post , authorities warned individuals impersonating restoration companies along with junk removal services might seek entry into homes searching valuables.

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