Thunder Bay

Heavy rains over weekend cause damage, O'Connor Township declares State of Emergency

The city has so far received about 230 calls reporting flooding and damage as a result of heavy storms on the weekend.

City of Thunder Bay encouraging citizens to call dispatch centre to report damages

A Thunder Bay resident wades out into a flooded street during Saturday's heavy downpour in the city. (Melody Lavallee)

The city has so far received about 230 calls reporting flooding and damage as a result of heavy storms on the weekend.

About 92 millimetres of rain fell on Thunder Bay over the course of Saturday.  

A portion of one lane of Fort William Road, north of First Avenue, will be closed while crews repair a washed-out shoulder. The work is taking place today.

City crews will continue making other repairs around the city today, as well.

Kerri Marshall, the city's general manager of infrastructure and operations, said it's important those who suffered damage due to the storm contact the city.

"Customers that do have concerns or questions, we encourage them to contact our dispatch centre where we can log their concern and take appropriate steps to assist," she said.

City councillor Shelby Ch'ng encouraged all residents to record the values of things that are damaged and then report them.

"I'm urging everyone to call dispatch to log the call," she said. "Take pictures, take video, because your insurance company is going to need this."

City dispatchers can be reached by calling 

The Saturday downpour also caused the Township of O'Connor to declare a State of Emergency.

According to its website, the water has receded but some roads are still washed out, and others are in poor condition.

Those closed include Garbutt Road from Highway 590 to Holomego, Sovereign Road between Highway 590 and Fleming Road and Smith Road between Garbutt and Harstone.

The township says road crews are currently working on the roads and information will be updated as roads are reopened.

To stay updated on on Ontario road closures, visit the Ministry of Transportation's website.

with files from Kris Ketonen and Mary-Jean Cormier. Edited/packaged by Casey Stranges