file photo/Flood 2017
John Martinellow lives 150 metres from Presqu’ille Bay, on Lake Ontario in Brighton is concerned this year could be a repeat of the floods of 2017.
Martinello is a former Brighton councillor stated levels of Lake Ontario are higher than they were in February 2017 when area shorelines were flooded along the Great Lakes.
Lake Ontario is within 27 cm (10.6″) of its all-time record high level for February; and Lake Erie, the source of 80% of all water that flows into Lake Ontario, is within just 14 cm (5.5″) of its all-time record high level for February states Martinello in the e-mail.
“I hope there is no repetition of the devastation, disruption and costs caused by the spring flooding of 2017.”
“But, I believe, the preceding facts & information are cause for concern.”
In documents attached to his e-mail, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to Chair Lana Pollock of the International Joint Commission (IJC).
The IJC is the binational agency that regulates outflows from Lake Ontario through the Moses-Sanders Dam at Cornwall, Ontario.
In a decision some may find confusing, in January 2017, the year of the flooding across Lake Ontario, the IJC initiated Plan 2014 allowing for higher water levels (more than 30 cm/12 in) on Lake Ontario.
Previous levels had been in effect since 1963.
Governor Cuomo states, “we are especially concerned by the recent rise in lake Ontario levels.”
“According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has risen six inches since last month and is currently 16 inches above its month average, near record highs.”
“With Spring approaching, snow melt and additional precipitation threaten to increase lake levels even further.”
“While New York does not seek to cause flooding in the Montreal region, we insist the IJC take all reasonable actions to limit flooding along Lake Ontario.”
“We must do everything in our power to ensure history does not repeat itself,” ends the letter.
A letter from Senator of the 54th District of New York Pamela Helming signed by six other Senator’s and six other Assemblymen was sent to Minority Senator for New York, Charles Schumer on February 21, 2019 stating the rising waters are “critically important.”
In 2017 the State of New York provided more than $85 million in direct recovery assistance to homeowners, businesses and communities because of the flood waters.
While most Great lakes are expected to reach levels close to 2017, except Lake Ontario there is still cause for concern.
“On behalf of our constituents, we are requesting immediate federal intercession to ensure that Lake Ontario water levels are stabilized to prevent future flooding.”
“In the event that these levels cannot be stabilized, we are requesting that resources and information be made available so that the State of New York and local communities can plan for possible flooding.”
Martinello also sent a letter to Chrystia Freeland who is Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister responsible for the International Joint Commission.
“As Minister responsible for the IJC, I ask you to do two things; take steps to ensure the IJC takes all reasonable actions to ensure that there is no repetition of the 2017 flooding and, require the IJC to rewrite Plan 2014 so that all Lake Ontario communities are better protected from flooding.”
“My community and I will thank you for your help in reducing the dangers of flooding.”
To this date, Martinello has not received a response from Minister Freeland, but has scheduled meetings with MP Kim Rudd and MPP David Piccini on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Other links attached to Martinello’s e-mail are as follows:
http://www.wwnytv.com/story/40039442/lake-ontario-water-level-is-16-inches-higher-than-normal
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Meters.pdf
http://www.facebook.com/Unitedshorelineontario/
http://www.facebook.com/United-Shoreline-2090023124598505/?ref=py_c
2017 High Water Levels
http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p538783730/h8aa93312#h8aa93ff1
http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p612883895
http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p381511841
http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p115264843
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
