City Crews Working Around the Clock to Manage Flood Impacts and Maintain Infrastructure

Recent snowmelt and rainfall have led to elevated water levels across the community, with localized flooding occurring in some areas. The City of Greater Sudbury continues to respond to the increased pressure this is causing on the wastewater system. 

City crews are working 24 hours a day to monitor and manage municipal infrastructure, including lift stations, sewer networks and water treatment facilities. Efforts are focused on maintaining service, protecting critical infrastructure and reducing the risk of system impacts where possible. 

Current actions include: 

• Monitoring system capacity and performance across the city 

• Deploying pumps, vactor trucks and equipment to manage increased flows and help prevent sewer backups 

• Staffing and operating key wastewater locations to respond to changing condition 

•  Protecting infrastructure, including lift stations, with measures such as sandbagging and preventing water from entering maintenance holes within roadways 

• Increasing testing and monitoring to ensure drinking water continues to meet all safety standards 

Residents are reminded that flooding related to rivers and watercourses is monitored by Conservation Sudbury. While the City is doing everything possible to manage impacts to municipal infrastructure, flooding caused by rising river and watercourse levels cannot be controlled by the City. Residents should continue to monitor Conservation Sudbury for information regarding the current flood warning and can determine if they are in a at risk area by inputting their address in Conservation Sudbury’s Mapping Tool: Mapping Tool - Conservation Sudbury. 

Residents located in flood-prone or low-lying areas, including floodplains, should expect an increased risk of flooding and take steps now to protect their property. 

Residents experiencing sewer backups should continue to call 311. This information is critical to help track impacts and prioritize response efforts. Due to high call volumes, residents may not receive a return call, but all reports are being logged and monitored. 

Road safety and monitoring 

The City is also actively monitoring water levels on roadways to maintain safe travel conditions. Crews are assessing areas where water is pooling or overtopping roads and are taking action as required. 

This includes: 

• Monitoring known low-lying and flood-prone roadways 

• Installing signage, barricades and implementing road closures where conditions are unsafe 

• Deploying crews and equipment to address drainage issues where possible 

• Working to reopen roads as quickly as conditions allow 

Residents are reminded to avoid visiting flooded areas. Driving through standing water can create wakes that worsen flooding and cause additional damage to nearby homes and properties.