Power Outage and Flood Watch in Champlain

April 6, 2023, 2:45 p.m. Champlain Township - Although power has been restored to most of the residents of Vankleek Hill, power is still out for many Champlain residents. Those along the river need to be prepared to protect their property in case of flooding.

Power Outage

Updated on Wednesday, April 5, 8:45 pm.

Hydro One advises that Champlain residents should prepare for several hours in the dark as crews focus on 911 calls  like fires or live lines that are down. They then focus on restoring electricity to essential services such as hospitals, fire and police stations and water and sewage treatment facilities. Power is expected to be mostly restored during the day, Thursday, April 6.

Assistance at the fire stations

Champlain residents who need assistance or water, to warm up or to charge their cellphones can come to the two fire stations, where volunteer firefighters are available to assist residents. If you need assistance and are unable to travel, please call dispatch at 613-632-1105.

• L'Orignal Fire Station - 10 Elgin St
• Vankleek Hill Fire Station- 11 Main St East

In Case of an Emergency or a Downed Line

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you see a downed line, move away at least 10 metres, even if it does not appear to be live. Report the incident to 9-1-1 and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

Be Careful and Prepared

Use of Home Generator - A back-up generator may only be connected to your home's electrical system through an approved transfer panel and switch that has been installed by a qualified electrician. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet as serious injury can result when the current produced by the home generator is fed back into the electrical lines, and transformed to a higher voltage. This can endanger the lives of utility employees working to restore the power.

To operate a generator safely:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ensure that the generator operates outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, well away from doors or windows, and never in your garage, to prevent exhaust gases from entering the house.
• Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated, CSA-approved cords.

Carbon Monoxide Detector - Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If it is hard-wired to the house's electrical supply, ensure it has a battery-powered back-up.

Candles - Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.

Equipment Intended for Outdoor Use - Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors or in garages. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.

Food Safety - Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.

Municipal Services

Although Town Hall is open today, municipal services are limited as our staff are busy keeping the roads safe and assisting residents. If you have any questions that are not related to the power outage and storm, you can contact us at 613-678-3003. For any assistance requests related to the power outage, please contact dispatch at 613-632-1105.

Hydro One Updates

Check the Hydro One outage map regularly for service status.

Residents can report their outage by texting 92887 (WATTS), reporting their outage online or calling 1-800-434-1235.

Flood Watch

Updated on April 6 and in effect until April 12 pr until an update has been issued.

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children and keep them away from the river.

Weather and Environmental Conditions

Water levels and flows are high across the jurisdiction due to significant precipitation received over the past 24 hours. Widespread tree damage due to ice accumulation and breakage could result in an increase in debris blocking culverts and drains. Warmer temperatures will result in additional snow and ice melt over the next 3 days, further increasing levels and flows.

As snow and ice continues to melt, rivers and streams across the jurisdiction will result in higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice breakup and ice jams at bridges, culverts and other areas producing localized flooding concerns. Roads, driveways and properties in flood-prone areas could be impacted. 

Precautions for Residents Susceptible to Flooding

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase.

Information and updates

South Nation Conservation monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information or contact Kat Watson, Water Resources Specialist – Monitoring, 1-877-984-2948, kwatson@nation.on.ca.