'There's nothing we can do': LaSalle mayor says options are limited for residents experiencing flooding
Mould, minnows and an onslaught of water in their basements: LaSalle residents are at a loss for what to do next.
Wendy Griffiths attended Monday's public forum with Mayor Marc Bondy to raise concerns about flooding in the region.
She said the flooding has caused "extreme property damage" in some cases, with some residents forced to deal with constant clean ups to avoid potential harm to their homes.
"There's so much going on, it's been very, very frustrating," said Griffiths. "It's taxing people not only emotionally, but financially."
As a result of record-high water levels and flooding damaging homes, Griffiths said some residents are also wrestling with mould issues.
"We have no idea how far down the road we're going to be able to put our properties back in some good condition," she said.
Bondy had no advice for residents in his town.
"There's nothing we can do, there's nothing they can do," said Bondy.
"I visited the residents yesterday, and they could sandbag their property 10-feet-high, it doesn't matter. The water's coming up right through the ground. It's just saturated."
Bondy — referencing a conversation he had with LaSalle Chief Administrative Officer Joe Milicia — said the Ontario PC government also has little support to offer residents.
"This is a province-wide issue, it's not just in Windsor-Essex County," said Bondy. "There's no money available for [flooding] is what we're told, and I don't think they could have enough money because it's an issue everywhere."
Bondy said that once water levels recede, residents will then be able to begin repairs on their properties.
"If this water ever recedes and we know we're clear sailing, there might be something we can apply for, but we're being told right now there is nothing we can apply for," he said. "Maybe down the road the government will come out and say 'Here's what we can do.'"
Griffiths acknowledged that there's little in the way of municipal aid, but that petitioning provincial and federal representatives might yield some results.
"There isn't much out there municipally in the way of assistance for us, but if we can take this levels about that, we hope that it will do something for our cause," said Griffiths.
Bondy said he's aware some residents have contacted Essex NDP MPP Taras Natyshak.
"So he will be bringing that forward to ask for money," said Bondy. "We'll see if he gets any."
Bondy acknowledged that should water levels continue rising, some residents might need to consider evacuation.
"We're not at the point where we have to do a mandatory evacuation," said Bondy. "But let's hope we don't have to do that."
