Just over 36 hours after severe flooding of the Humber River forced hundreds of people out of their homes in Bolton, officials say most have been able to return.
But in an update to NEWSTALK1010's media partner CP24 Sunday afternoon, Caledon Fire Chief Darryl Bailey says they still need to make a determination of the damage to 15 to 20 homes.
"There are still a number [of residents] that still need to attend the scene - and attend with a member of the fire services team - to go inside their house, determine the damage, determine whether it is safe for them to reside there for the evening," Bailey said.
He added that several people may have been away for March Break and could be unaware of the flooding once they arrive home at some point on Sunday.
"We still also have the Peel Regional Human Services that are contacting residents for any accommodations that they may need, whether it be in the short term or long term," he said. "A number of these houses sustained significant flooding right up to the first floor into their houses."
"Those houses unfortunately won't be inhabitable for some time, until repairs can be made."
Brandon Gonez/CP24
About 80 homes and an apartment building were evacuated early Saturday morning after an ice jam in the river caused water levels to rise 45 centimetres in some areas close to the town's main stretch. The evacuation impacted approximately 250 to 300 people, but some were allowed to go home as early as Saturday evening.
Bailey said crews continue to break up the ice along the Humber River, while the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is monitoring the river downstream to prevent flooding in other communities.
WATCH: Here’s a look at the ice build up along the Humber River in #Bolton that caused the severe flooding. Crews have been working tirelessly to break down the ice to allow the river to flow again. Many people have returned home to flooded basements. @CP24 pic.twitter.com/WrB8HfFt9E
— Brandon Gonez (@brandongonez) March 17, 2019
"I think it's a good lesson to all of us is just how powerful mother nature is," Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson said. "I think she flexed her muscles with us Friday night."
"Friday morning there was nothing, and then by Friday evening, we had an issue."
On Saturday, Thompson was criticized by several of the town's residents who said conditions along the river were in place for such an event to happen and it could have been prevented. Thompson insisted this was a rare occurrence and nothing on this level had happened since the 1980s.
Dufferin-Caledon MP Sylvia Jones was also at the scene Sunday afternoon and was asked by CP24 if help is coming to those residents whose homes suffered damage.
"[Mayor Thompson and I] are going to work together to see what kind of damage has happened with the homes and business," she said, adding that the clean up is still in the early stages.
"We'll certainly be working with the town of Caledon and the region of Peel to make sure the residents are looked after."
Brandon Gonez/CP24
- With files from CP24