World Renew Responds to Ontario Floods

In April, weather conditions combined in parts of North Central Ontario to create severe and widespread flooding.

World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) carefully monitored the situation and is now beginning to respond.

More than 136 mm of rain fell on frozen ground in April, the most for the month since record keeping began in 1876.  A sudden heat wave then caused the snow to melt quickly and funnel even more water into the raging rivers.

Some are calling the resulting floods the worst in this region’s history.

Seven communities including Huntsville, Bracebridge, Bancroft, and Kawartha Lakes declared states of emergency as water levels rose, roads were washed out, power was cut off, and hundreds of people were forced to evacuate waterlogged homes.

Now that the water levels have stabilized and started to recede, the extent of the damage is becoming clear. Felled trees, water-logged cars, and flooded basements are visible by the dozens.

While this picturesque portion of Ontario is commonly referred to as “Cottage Country” because of its status as a frequent vacation destination, it is also home to hundreds of year-round families. Many lack the ability to clean-out and repair water-damaged portions of their property on their own. Others lack adequate insurance to pay for repairs.

“There will be a big financial hit to our citizens and the town,” said Bracebridge Mayor, Graydon Smith.

On May 7, 2013 eight World Renew volunteers from Christian Reformed Churches in Ontario headed to Huntsville, Ontario to help with clean-up.

They are led by Tony DeWeerd, World Renew DRS Regional Manager for Eastern Canada.  The crew will work in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse to remove downed trees, pump water out of homes, muck out flooded living spaces, and replace and repair drywall.

DeWeerd will also visit nearby Minden and Fenelon Falls to determine how World Renew can assist people there.
Support is needed to assist flood survivors in Ontario and other North Americans affected by severe weather this spring.

Donate online
(Choose "Spring Storms 2013" from the Disasters - North America category)

Or send your gift marked “Spring Storms 2013” to:

World Renew US
2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49560
Tel: 1-800-552-7972

World Renew Canada
3475 Mainway
P.O. Box 5070 STN LCD
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8
Tel: 1-800-730-3490