Businesses in northeastern Ontario are grappling with significant financial losses following rapid flooding in multiple communities over the past week. A flood warning still looms over much of the region, particularly Chapleau and Wawa, while water levels in Timmins and on the James Bay Coast are being closely monitored.
The impact on business owners has been severe and sudden. Shane White, the proprietor of Manchester’s Sleep Centre, Furniture and Spa in North Bay, described how the water levels surged within a few hours last Tuesday. Despite frantic efforts to relocate inventory from the 10,000-square-foot warehouse, they were overwhelmed by the rising waters.
The warehouse suffered extensive damage, necessitating a major cleanup and restocking operation. White emphasized the challenges ahead, mentioning the need to clean up, replace damaged items, and fortify the premises with sandbags.
Although the retail store was spared, the warehouse faced significant losses, prompting White to estimate a recovery period of several weeks. He expressed gratitude for the support received from suppliers and local businesses, highlighting the community’s assistance in maintaining operations during this crisis.
Adam Smith, owner of Jake’s Home Centre in Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island, faced a similar scenario. He recounted how water breached the store’s entrance despite efforts to defend the property with sandbags. The flooding forced a partial closure of the business during a critical period, impacting their seasonal operations.
Cleanup efforts have commenced, but early damage assessments indicate losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Smith lamented the challenges ahead, noting the limited access to their facilities and the loss of revenue due to the closure. He anticipated a prolonged recovery period of weeks to months before normal operations could resume.
Both White and Smith mentioned uncertainties regarding insurance coverage and the assessment of claims. Despite these challenges, they acknowledged the crucial role of community support in mitigating the impact of the floods and expressed cautious optimism about the future, acknowledging the continued uncertainty as water levels remain a concern.