Residents Near Lake Ontario Advised to Secure Valuables

The City of Hamilton is alerting residents along Beach Boulevard and nearby areas to get ready for possible flooding and take precautions for their properties because of high Lake Ontario levels.

In a news release sent out on Wednesday, the city suggested that people think about “moving basement furniture, electronics and valuables to higher levels,” as well as temporarily sealing basement floor drains.

When asked if this advice pertains to homes outside the beach strip, city spokesperson Lauren Vastano didn’t specify how far the flood risk reaches.

“It is absolutely important information for everyone to know – but as we mention, those in the Beach Boulevard and surrounding area should take caution,” she said in an email.

Jonathan Bastien, who manages water resources engineering at the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), noted that the lake is around 35 centimetres higher than usual for this time of year, yet still well below record highs from 2017 and 2019.

Residents worried about potential flooding should ensure their sump pumps are functioning properly and not discharging water into a drain or sink since that increases the chance of sewer backups, according to the city’s release.

Downspouts should ideally discharge onto lawns and gardens; however, they can also be directed onto the road in Beach Boulevard area “due to the unique exposure to fluctuating lake levels,” according to city officials.

“To help protect residents from flooding, the city has increased inspections at pump stations affected by high water levels. Additionally, drainage assets including catch basins and ditches are being inspected and cleared to reduce impacts on residents, properties and communities.”

The city advises those who experience flooding to photograph affected areas and damaged belongings, contact their insurance company right away, and stay clear of places with possible electrical hazards. People facing sewer backup or flooding should call the city at 905-546-2489.

Certain Areas More Susceptible to Overflows: City

CBC Hamilton previously reported that most flooding in Hamilton occurs in Wards 1, 2 and 13 – downtown, west end, and Dundas.

A significant part of lower Hamilton and a section of The Mountain north of Mohawk Road have combined sewer systems which means “these sewer systems have one pipe that collects both wastewater from our homes and businesses as well as stormwater from rain or melted snow,” based on information from a city webpage.

This type of system is more prone to overflow compared to separated sewers found in newer parts of town. This highlights how important it is to direct rainwater runoff from sump pumps into areas where it can soak into the ground instead of directing it into drains, says the city.

“In cases with heavy rain or melting snow, extra water volume in combined sewers can surpass system capacity,” it explains while noting too much water in these systems could lead sewage overflows into local waterways.

“If there wasn’t an overflow option designed for releasing wastewater into the harbour from combined sewers, large sections of Hamilton would face flooding issues affecting homes, businesses, roads public spaces as well as public health.”

Bastien from HCA mentioned that creek levels within their watershed are currently low enough not to raise any immediate flood concerns further inland from Lake Ontario.

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