FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Release 2 – Town of Smiths Falls to Host Flood Evacuees
Smiths Falls - Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 3:30 p.m.
To:
CC:
Residents of the Town of Smiths Falls and Surrounding Area
Emergency Control Group
From:
Kim Leach, Public Information Officer
Smiths Falls Emergency Community Control Group
Smiths Falls will be receiving evacuees (total number not yet determined)
from the northern Ontario community of Kashechewan and/or Fort Albany
which are threatened by flooding.
These evacuees will be composed
primarily of seniors and families with children with the potential of Stage II
evacuees at later date. It is anticipated the evacuees will start to arrive on
Monday, March 26th, 2012.
The Mayor has declared a state of emergency and the Emergency Control
Group met on Saturday March 24th, 2012. From the experience we gained
last summer, we are well positioned to respond to the needs of these
individuals who will be housed at the Gallipeau Centre. We are pleased to
be able to offer assistance to our northern neighbours once again.
Smiths Falls is pleased to work with the County of Lanark, County of LeedsGrenville, surrounding regional Municipalities and the City of Kingston to
make this evacuation possible.
Members of the public should contact the information centre (Town Hall 613283-4124 Ext. 1171) with any inquiries or if they wish to volunteer
assistance. Please be aware that due to the high volume of calls expected it
may be difficult to get through.
The Control Group will meet daily and further updates will be provided as we
move forward.
-30For more information please contact:
Kim Leach, Public Information Officer
Smiths Falls Emergency Community Control Group
Acting Manager of Community Development and Tourism
613.812.4143
kleach@smithsfalls.ca