Midwestern Ontario Flooding Beginning To Subside

Local Conservation Authorities feel the worst has passed regarding rising water levels around Midwestern Ontario.   Minto, North Huron, Morris-Turnberry and the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority all met Saturday to create strategies to deal with rising water levels.   Public Works officials at North Huron says they've been advised by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority that water levels reached their peak around noon Saturday, and while they're continuing to monitor water levels, they feel the main threat has passed, and say any residents that left their homes are now safe to return.   North Huron CAO Sharon Chambers says although they received good news in meetings, the Municipality is taking a cautious approach to the situation. Parks & Trails around North Huron near waterways will remain closed until at least Monday morning.   Maitland Valley Communications Coordinator Jayne Thompson says they're still unsure exactly when water levels will return to normal.   The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry says water levels at the Bluevale dam have decreased, and that the Middle Maitland peaked on Saturday.   Most residents in Harriston have returned home, except those living in a flooded trailer park.   The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority also met to discuss water levels in the South Saugeen, which are decreasing. The Main Saugeen River in Walkerton crested at 5am Saturday and receded throughout the day, however, downstream towards Paisley and Southampton, there is still concerns about rising water levels. Although the SVCA has pulled most flood warnings, flood watches remain throughout the watershed.   The town of Hanover also tweets that the Hanover-Walkerton landfill, as well as the Hanover Park are closed due to flooding.   Residents across Midwestern Ontario are reminded that kayaking and canoeing through flooded areas is a bad idea, as any rescue operations would be severely hindered by the high water levels.