Nipissing First Nation firefighters and community volunteers join efforts to save homes from flooding
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION—The white caps ripped into Lake Nipissing’s north shoreline at Jocko Point taking away people’s yards, docks, barbeques and garage contents. The storm with 30 to 50 km/h winds had three to four metre waves crashing onto shore Thursday May 9.
Paradise subdivision is soaked after the almost 25mm of rain. The lake water has crept over driveways and now threatens the main road and well water.
Just after 6 pm on Thursday, a call out for help went over Facebook by Nipissing First Nation administration. “SUPPORT NEEDED IN JOCKO POINT. If you can help fill sandbags, please go to the Fire Hall. Miigwech!” read the Facebook post.
Earlier at 4 pm, Emergency Services Manager Melvin McLeod sent out a notice that sand and sand bags were available at the Jocko Point Fire Hall. Crews were on site throughout the evening. Those leaving their homes were advised to take identification, important documents and belongings in case the situation worsened. McLeod suggested electrical panels be turned off in homes where water could enter.
Beaucage residents have been notified that sand and sand bags are available at the end of Margaret Drive.
A steady caravan of dump trucks is dumping loads of sand at the fire hall, near the pow wow grounds and there is a load after the bridge. Sand bags are available at the fire hall.
Laura Briggs was busy Wednesday and Thursday loading up sand bags and placing them around her house and well. Briggs has lived on Jocko Point for 24 years and believes that Lake Nipissing was at a similar height 17 years ago.
Megan Paulin was busy sandbagging close to the powwow grounds.
“Our property, it’s pretty bad, but the water is still a bit away from our house, so we’re definitely not the worst off. Canoes are in other people’s yards.”
Paulin was troubled for vulnerable neighbours with the water rising so quickly.
“I was really concerned because there are elderly people on the road that can’t sand bag. I checked on my dad and my uncle’s place…It’s devastating. The water is right up to the house. People are losing stuff out of their garage. The wind has caused a lot of power to the waves.”
Garden Village volunteer firefighter, Adam Smith, was withstanding the pelting rain Thursday afternoon as he worked to fill his truck with sandbags behind Jocko Fish and Chips at the sandbagging station. He is helping homeowners try to save their homes.
“The water is rising quickly at the other end of Jocko Point, with the storm surge coming in today, with the high gusting winds right onto the shoreline,” remarked Smith. “It’s pretty bad—this is the worst I’ve ever seen it. Other residences say they haven’t seen it this bad in over 30 years.”
Smith couldn’t say how many properties are at risk.
“The one I’m working on right now; the basement is a total loss. The basement is at lake level. He can’t pump it out quick enough. The wind is strong enough to blow it over the sandbags.”
The fire department is performing emergency services along Jocko Point.
“Who ever needs the help the most. We are helping out as many people as we can.”
Also at the sand pile was an assembly team of strong youth shovelling sand into bags. Volunteer high school students from École secondaire publique Northern answered the call to support the emergency effort. Principal Serge Larabie is pleased with the student’s efforts.
“We sent out an invitation yesterday and this morning to any student that wanted to come out to help. They will be recognized with community hours and it’s a good deed to be doing.”
“We started yesterday. We went to Lavigne. We were 22. And today, since it was declared a state of emergency, everything is being done through West Nipissing. We have close to 50 students out here.”
The flood warning has been extended to May 15 and is likely to be extended.