City crews continue to respond to significant rain and potential flooding in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - May 5, 2017 - While the worst of the rain storm has now passed, homeowners in Hamilton are reminded to be cautious around watercourses and to take steps to prevent flooding in and around their homes.  

Over the past two days, City crews have been responding to reports of roadway flooding, basement flooding and sewer back-ups throughout Hamilton. Crews will continue to work proactively over the weekend to keep catch basins clear and inspect flooding hot spots across the city.  

Tips to reduce the risk of flooding

Since the rain is expected to continue over the weekend, the City is continuing to remind residents about the following tips to reduce the risk of flooding:

• Keep catch basins in front of your home clear of leaves and debris
• Ensure any backwater valves and sump pumps are working properly
• Keep eaves troughs clean
• Consider keeping valuables up off the basement floor  

In Hamilton, a number of properties and roadways near Lake Ontario are experiencing flooding. Many other communities in Ontario are experiencing similar situations, especially in neighbourhoods close to the lakefront and other bodies of water. 

Closures & service impacts

The following is a list of some of the impacts the rainfall has caused in Hamilton:

• Up-bound lanes of the Kenilworth Access above the hair-pin turn are closed while crews clean up a mudslide
• York Road is closed while crews assess the condition of a damaged culvert and embankment
• All sports fields in the City are closed to avoid damage to the grass
• The Waterfront Trail is closed between Bayfront Park and Cootes Drive due to flooding and unusually high water levels
• The Compost/Woodchip Giveaway event originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed
• Corporal Nathan Cirillo Leash Free Dog Park and Spencer Creek Trail are both closed due to flooding
• The west leg of the Sherman Access will be closed for the day on Sunday for repairs to the shoulder 

Further updates will be shared via the City’s Twitter channel @cityofhamilton. Residents should call 905-546-2489 to report sewer back-ups, flooding over roadways, fallen trees or debris in drainage ditches or culverts.