St. Catharines declares significant weather event due to torrential rainstorm

The City of St. Catharines is declaring a significant weather event following the impacts of substantial rainfall from last night’s overnight storm.

Residents who are dealing with the impacts of flooding following the overnight storm can use public washrooms and showers at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre. Bottled water is also available for residents who require assistance.

Washrooms are available during regular business hours at other City facilities as well, including Port Weller Community Centre, St. Catharines City Hall, the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.

The City is responding to significant flooding impacts across the St. Catharines following the torrential storm that saw 138.75 mm of rainfall. By declaring a significant weather event, the City is notifying the public that weather conditions may prevent it from meeting its normal maintenance standards.

Closures and cancellations

St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre

While the lobby, public washrooms and showers are open, the pools at the St. Catharines Aquatics Centre are closed until further notice due to the impacts of flooding in areas of the building.

Sports fields, City parks and trails

City sports fields are closed and parks permits are cancelled for July 28. Trails across St. Catharines are also temporarily closed until further notice due to flooding and water damage from the storm.

Garden City Golf Course is closed until further notice.

Port Dalhousie Supper Market

The Port Dalhousie Supper Market set for tonight (July 28) at Lakeside Park is cancelled.

Hot Summer Nights

Due to flooding, the Hot Summer Nights event set for Wednesday, July 29th at Lock 3 park at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre (1932 Welland Canals Pkwy.) is rescheduled to Wednesday Aug. 26 from 6-8 p.m.

Flooding

There are currently no road closures due to flooding or water on road. However, the City urges motorists and pedestrians to use roads and sidewalk with caution as conditions can change quickly, especially with more rain in the forecast.

Residents dealing with flooded basements and standing water contact their insurance company as soon as possible to begin a claim and use pumps, a shop vacuum, or other available equipment to remove water safely. As conditions improve, stormwater systems will continue to drain and recover.

For information on basement flooding visit stcatharines.ca/basementflooding.

City is receiving an extremely high number of calls and crews are responding as quickly and safely as possible. Unless there is an immediate risk to public safety the City is asking residents to wait until 24 hours after the storm to report issues relating to full of flooding roadside ditches.