BARRY’S BAY – So far, there is no immediate concern of flooding, reports Corwin Quade, who is both fire chief and head of emergency management for the Township of Madawaska Valley.
“We are just where we should be for this time of the year,” he said, but of course, “this could change, depending on the weather.”
This is no doubt welcome news to people living near water in an area that has seen bad flooding in recent years, especially given the large amount of snow we have received this winter.
“As for being prepared for the spring freshet [overflow of rivers due to snow melt], as of right now we have over 6,000 unfilled sand bags in stock. If required, I have a supplier that can provide whatever the municipality requires within 24 hours. Public works has sand available if required.”
“We check the water levels everyday at the boat launches in Barry’s Bay and Combermere.”
“Bark Lake has been drawn down to its winter level,” he added. “It is now slowly filling at the average rate. Everything appears to be going at an average pace.”
The Renfrew County Community Emergency Management Coordinators (CEMC) followed up this optimistic report, by reporting that “the spring melt in Renfrew County has been gradual due to favorable temperatures… combined with minimal precipitation. Water levels are staying within the normal range for this time of year.
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