Local MP Dave Van Kesteren is hoping the government will develop funding for areas affected by flooding last weekend.
The Chatham-Kent Leamington MP visited Pelee Island yesterday, which has seen shoreline erosion and flooding.
“The main road is currently compromised to the degree that should they get another storm like they did [last weekend], we would see that road fail. and as a result, there would be serious flooding, and there would be no emergency route for any emergency vehicles to take should they have to do that. So this is a serious situation that the island is in and they’re reaching out, they’re looking for some help from the province and [the federal government,” Van Kesteren says.
However, Van Kesteren says accessing funding soon won’t be easy.
“There currently is no funding in place. So we need to approach the Minister to see if something can be developed and put in place. That’s the reason why we went out there [yesterday],” Van Kesteren says.
Van Kesteren says both the provincial and federal governments recognize the increase in flooding events in the area.
Meantime, Van Kesteren says safety comes first.
“Our priority is first and foremost the immediate safety of the residents; second, we need to stabilize from further damage; third, to repair the weakest spots; fourth, to restore the overall integrity of the shoreline; and finally, we need to maintain that integrity,” Van Kesteren says.
