Reflecting On the 22nd Anniversary of the Peterborough Flood

It has been 22 years since the Peterborough Flood, when up to 220 mm of rainfall over a nine-hour period covered the City streets and unfortunately, entered the homes and businesses of several residents.

Sylvia Sutherland, Former Peterborough Mayor (left) with Jeff Leal, current Peterborough Mayor (right). Sutherland was the mayor during the flood while Leal was serving as the MPP.

There were 10 billion litres of rain which is equal to 9,615 filled Lift Locks and the same as two-and-a-half days of flow on the Otonabee River. The rain overwhelmed the city's drainage system.

A State of Emergency was declared by Mayor Sutherland and the disaster garnered national attention.

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Trent-Severn Waterway Flood Warning Issued

A Flood Warning for the Trent-Severn Waterway within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation has been issued.

photo courtesy of otonabee conservation.

Updated forecasts indicate significant rainfall over the next five days, combined with increased runoff from rain and snowmelt in the Haliburton-Reservoir Lakes region. As a result, water levels and flows are expected to rise rapidly, and flooding in low-lying areas is imminent, particularly along the Otonabee River.

Initially issued as a Flood Watch, the Flood Status was upgraded to a Warning on Friday.

Current conditions pose a high risk to public safety and may result in property damage in flood-prone areas. Residents are reminded to stay away from shorelines and dams due to hazardous conditions.

Residents are advised to monitor conditions and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their property against imminent or occurring flooding. Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and water levels or subscribe on our website to receive flood messages directly.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

• Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet 

• Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data  

• Otonabee Conservation website

This Flood Warning will expire April 16 at 3 p.m., unless updated earlier.

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Watershed Conditions Statement

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, with the exception of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

otonabee conservation logo

With widespread rainfall over the next few days, Otonabee Conservation says high-than-normal water flows and levels that could be dangerous are expected, although flooding is not a concern.

Total local rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are predicted over the next 24 hours with showers becoming heavier at times with the risk of thunderstorms this evening and overnight and into the day on Wednesday.

While flooding is not expected, Otonabee Conservation says the forecasted rainfall will create ponding in low lying areas, roadways and higher-than-normal water levels and flows on all local watercourses.

The alert is in-effect until Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., unless updated earlier.

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