Windsor-Essex Municipalities, ERCA Launch Flooding Awareness Campaign

The County of Essex and its local municipalities, along with the City of Windsor and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, have launched an awareness campaign about the looming threat of widespread flooding given elevated water levels in the Great Lakes basin.

The campaign features radio advertisements and significant social media outreach to complement efforts already undertaken by local municipalities, including the distribution of literature to thousands of homes in flood-prone areas. The campaign launch coincides with the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week.

“We are asking residents of Windsor and Essex County to be aware and be prepared,” said Warden Gary McNamara. “Windsor-Essex is surrounded on three sides by water and levels are higher than they were last year, when we endured significant issues with shoreline erosion and overland flooding.”

McNamara added the physical distancing protocols related to COVID-19 will present additional challenges in a flooding emergency for residents and first responders.

“This year could be worse than last year and we need to be ready,” said McNamara.

The campaign urges residents to take steps to protect their homes and their properties and also to prepare for worst-case scenarios by making an Emergency Plan and packing a 72-hour Emergency Kit, including essentials likes food, water and a flashlight. It also encourages residents to contact their local municipalities for information on flooding mitigation and sandbag distribution programs.

“The risk of devastating flooding this year is very real and there are steps that homeowners can take to protect their homes, their property and their loved ones,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “It is vitally important that residents in flood-prone areas make use of mitigation programs and prepare themselves for an emergency situation.”

The Conservation Authority has already dealt with nine flooding events this season and predicts water levels could peak about 8 cm higher than last year.

“With these elevated water levels, even mild winds can generate waves that overtop breakwalls and shoreline structures,” said Richard Wyma, ERCA’s General Manager. “High water levels increase shoreline erosion rates, which further increases the risk of flooding.”

For more information, visit the County's flooding page, the City of Windsor's flooding page, the Essex Region Conservation Authority's Flood Forecasting page or the flooding page on your local municipality’s website.