When heavy rains caused widespread flooding in St. Catharines, Mayor Mat Siscoe didn’t just watch from afar; he waded through knee-deep water in his own flooded basement, empathizing with his affected residents. Following two intense storms that dumped over 140mm of rain on the region, both St. Catharines and the Town of Lincoln declared states of emergency.
In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Mayor Siscoe appealed to the provincial and federal governments for assistance, highlighting the dire situation faced by thousands of residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Despite the city’s efforts to handle the crisis independently, the need for external support was evident.
After a direct conversation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Siscoe received assurance that aid was forthcoming, including the deployment of Ontario Corps, a volunteer program for emergency situations. However, as the city grapples with ongoing challenges and financial strain, the urgency of the situation remains critical.
Mayor Siscoe emphasized the need for immediate assistance, particularly for those unable to manage the cleanup themselves, such as seniors and individuals with accessibility issues. With climate change leading to more frequent extreme weather events, he stressed the importance of proactive disaster preparedness to ensure swift and effective responses in the future.