City responds to basement flooding situation on Assiniboine Avenue - Update

WINNIPEG - July 26, 2007 - Last evening City crews, including the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Emergency Social Services, and members of the Water and Waste Department, responded to numerous reports of basement flooding into homes on Assiniboine Avenue (east of Ferry Road).

While working on a wastewater pumping station in the area yesterday, City crews – in keeping with standard procedure – closed a gate to prevent sewer overflow into the Assiniboine River while working on the combined sewer system. Yesterday’s rain and weather event then occurred in the area prior to the gate being reopened, resulting in basement flooding.

City staff conducted door-to-door assessments last evening for each individual property, and the majority of residents were able to remain in their homes. Today, City Claims staff and Emergency Social Services providers are on-scene working to further assist residents and assess properties.

Claims

Residents are being advised to contact their insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the damages that have occurred. Residents are further encouraged to take photos and compile a list of all personal contents prior to disposing of them.

Garbage Collection

Today is the normal scheduled garbage collection day for this area. The Solid Waste Services Division has arranged for additional garbage collection service to the affected homes, including special garbage collection for bulky waste and construction demolition wastes, tomorrow and Saturday as necessary. Commencing Monday, July 30 residents are asked to contact the Water and Waste Call Centre at 311 or via email and a crew will be dispatched to collect any garbage that requires immediate disposal. Throughout this period, the normal garbage collection service will continue to occur on Day 4.

Basement Flooding Cleanup

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is assisting the City in advising residents of proper procedures for cleaning up after basement flooding, including personal protective hygiene, food contamination, and disinfection of clothing, bedding and other belongings.

Wastewater Pumping Station

The Ferry Road wastewater pumping station was also flooded last evening. This resulted in discharge of wastewater overnight into the Assiniboine River. The gate was closed at 8:30 a.m. preventing any further discharge to the River. Officials hope to have the station back in service today. Per normal procedure, the provincial and federal governments have been notified.