As of April 18, 2026, the Municipality of West Nipissing has declared a State of Emergency in response to ongoing flooding affecting several areas across the municipality.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has issued a Flood Watch for the region. Continued rainfall, rising water levels, and deteriorating road conditions have resulted in localized flooding, road closures, and increased safety risks.
The West Nipissing Emergency Control Group is continuing to monitor conditions and assess the evolving situation. Public Works crews, the OPP, and West Nipissing Fire Services are conducting ongoing patrols in affected areas to support public safety and assess local impacts.
If evacuation orders are issued by emergency services, residents are urged to comply immediately for their safety. Conditions can change rapidly during flood events, and timely evacuation is critical to personal safety.
Road Closures and Travel Advisory
Driving through flooded or water-covered roads is dangerous and unpredictable. Water levels may be deeper than they appear, and road washouts can occur suddenly. Motorists must respect all road closures and barricades and avoid travel in affected areas unless absolutely necessary.
Due to flooding and road washouts, the following closures are in effect:
- Highway 64 – Fully closed in both directions in Field
- Desjardins Street – Closed between Highway 539 and Lac Clair Road
- Leduc Road (Field) – Closed from Hwy 539 to Hwy 575
- Kipling West Road (Kipling) – Closure extended from #124 to Point Road
- Ashburton Road (Field) – Closed from Larocque to the dead end
- Coyote Ridge Road (Crystal Falls) – Closed from Shoreline Road to the dead end
Sand and Sandbag Information
Public Works crews are currently delivering sand to key locations. Sand piles are expected to be available by this evening if they are not already in place, at the following sites:
Field:Jarbeau (outdoor rink)
Sturgeon Falls:Lac Deux Mille (near Marleau), Quesnel (west end)
Verner:End of Gareau Road, End of Eugene (near Arbour), Avenue du Lac, St-Jean (municipal beach), End of O’Brien Road (near Riddle Road), Cache Lake
Residents are responsible for filling and transporting their own sandbags. A limited supply of sandbags will be available beginning tomorrow at the Verner Fire Hall for residents in urgent need to help protect critical infrastructure. Distribution details will be confirmed shortly and shared on the Municipality’s website and Facebook page.
Sandbags are also typically available for purchased at:
- Sturgeon Falls Home Hardware
- Simcoe Northern Supply
- OCP Construction Supplies (North Bay)
- Online retailers such as Amazon
Public Safety Information
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Recommendations:
- Prepare an emergency kit and review Ontario’s emergency preparedness resources
- Closely supervise children and pets near high water and fast-moving currents
- Monitor local forecasts and flood updates regularly
- Avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas
Residents using private wells should be aware that flooding may compromise drinking water safety. If contamination is suspected, stop using the water immediately, use an alternate safe source, and arrange for testing through the local Health Unit.
Reporting and Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- Flooding concerns or road washouts (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.): 705-753-2250
- After hours: 705-753-1170
Additional Resources
- Keep a close watch on the local forecastand Ontario’s flood map for up-to-date conditions and flood warnings.
- What you should do before, during and after a flood, and where to get current flood information: Ontario’s flooding tips
- How to make an emergency plan and kit
- Flooding and insurance information (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
- Home Flood Protection Program (Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation)