Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith says the Town has requested the services of the Canadian Armed Forces and that they are expected to arrive in town Sunday afternoon to help during the Flood Emergency.
In a press conference this evening, Smith said the troops would help with sandbagging activities, but he urged all volunteers who have been helping, to continue to do so for the time being and for as long as they can.
Dangerous areas in Bracebridge are now being called ‘Active Emergency Zones’ where no vehicles will be allowed, in order to deter so-called ‘disaster tourism’ – areas where people amass to take pictures at fast moving flooding sites and falls.
Smith has spoken again with Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs Steve Clark. He says their offices have again reiterated ongoing support for the citizens of Bracebridge and offered whatever is appropriate to get the town through the current situation and after.
“(In calling the Canadian Armed Forces) the concern is that when people go back to work we will not have the volunteer capacity we have now,” said Smith. “We have gone to the Province through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and this evening we will be meeting with liaison officials from the Canadian Armed Forces reservists to discuss a small number of troops to assist in filling sandbags and providing equipment and resources to support potential evacuation efforts should they be needed and to assist first responders as required.”
Smith adds there is a 72 hour window for people who are cut off due to flooding who may not have sufficient supplies on hand and if they don’t, they may need help getting out.
With more supplies on hand via the armed forces, the hope is that they may provide people in need with the required resources and supplies.
Asked if the active emergency zones include places like Bracebridge Falls at the mouth of the downtown where the water is raging, Smith said “yes”.
“I know water is thrilling and exciting to look at,” he said, “(but) if it ever got a hold of you, it would be the end of you.”
