Immediate Release

Ramara, ON/ March 20, 2025 – With the warmer weather and anticipated accumulation, the Township is proactively monitoring water levels throughout the Township and watching for flood warnings and watches from our local conservation authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

“Township staff are actively monitoring the situation. Currently, water levels in various watercourse areas are reaching critical thresholds and low-lying roads and ditches are experiencing flooding due to rising water levels and ongoing runoff. We want to remind our residents that since 2016, the Township has not provided sandbags or sand to affected residents. We encourage residents to reach out to local businesses for sandbags and sand, as well as to engage in preventative measures to protect themselves and their homes.”

~Mayor Basil Clarke

Residents affected by high water and flow conditions should continue to take necessary action to protect and secure vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes. Those who have waterfront properties should be mindful that ice breakups along shorelines are expected as rising water levels and high winds will cause ice to become unstable.

To help protect your home and families, residents are reminded of the following prevention activities:

• Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building.
• Shovel snow at least 1 to 1.5 metres away from your home’s foundation.
• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors.
• Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris and remove debris from water drainage systems such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches.
• Check your sump pump, backup pump and power supply. Ensure they are all in good working order and not connected in the sanitary sewer system.
• Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level.
• Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it.
• Learn how to turn off utilities such as electricity and gas in your residence.
• Determine if there are any special precautions required to safeguard electrical, natural gas, fuel oil or propane heating.

What can you do to protect yourself and your things?

• Know your insurance policy. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected.
• Collect any important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information, and insurance papers, and store them safely above ground level or in waterproof containers.
• Have an evacuation plan for you, your family and your pets.
• Develop a buddy system: coordinate with a neighbour, friend, or relative to ensure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Build a 72-hour emergency kit for you, your family and pets.

For more information on how to protect your home, please visit our emergency management page at www.ramara.ca/EmergencyManagement or www.ontario.ca/floods.  Please contact the infrastructure department if your culvert is backed up or if you are experiencing flooding on the road, please contact the infrastructure department by either using the online reporting a concern form found at www.ramara.ca/reportit or calling 705-484-5374 and following the prompts.

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Media Contract

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext.322