State of Emergency declared in Fort-Coulonge

State of Emergency declared in Fort-Coulonge

The Municipality of Fort-Coulonge has declared a state of emergency due to the rapid increase in water levels along the Ottawa river.

Fort-Coulonge Mayor Christine Francoeur told CHIP 101.9 that the water filtration facility’s pumps are currently working, but the pumps may not be able to continue stabilizing the water’s level through excessive use. However, Francoeur made a point to specify that this state of emergency is not intended to create fear or panic, but the decision allows the municipal council to make quick decisions if necessary.

For the time being, municipal employees will be monitoring the situation 24/7. In Fort-Coulonge, no streets are flooded, but the water table is a cause for concern.

The water table, found at shallow depths in the ground, traditionally helps supply wells and springs with drinking water but can become polluted by an overabundance of water on the surface. Francoeur says the 2023 spring flood compares to the floods in 2017, which had a particular impact on the municipality’s water filtration plan, despite a lack of severe amounts of surface water.

Francour also wanted to remind residents that Centennial Park is closed in Fort-Coulonge.

The full interview with Christine Francoeur regarding the state of emergency in Fort-Coulonge is available below: