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 (Field) – Closed between Highway 17, Sturgeon Falls and Highway 11, Marten River (closure includes Desjardins Street)
- Leduc Road (Field) – Closed from Hwy 539 to Hwy 575
- Ashburton Road (Field) – Closed from Larocque to the dead end
- Kipling West Road (Kipling) – Closure extended from #124 to Point Road
Sand and Sandbag Information
A limited supply of sandbags is available for affected households in urgent need of protecting their homes from flooding. Residents are responsible for filling the bag themselves at the nearest sand heap (listed below). There is a maximum of bags per household. Resident identification is required. Distribution:
- Verner Fire Hall (Starting April 19, 2026)
- Field Fire Hall(Starting April 19, 2026)
Public Works crews have delivered sand to 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
- Sturgeon Falls: South end of Nipissing Street, and Argo Rd.
Residents are responsible for filling and transporting sandbags.
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.
Septic System safety during a flood
Reporting an Issue & 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)