Port Bruce is prone to flooding as it is located in a flood plain.  The most common time for flooding to takes place is in the late winter and early spring when Catfish Creek and Lake Erie are freezing and thawing. 
Flooding occurs due to a number of factors such as unusually high snowpack’s raising the risk of potential flooding, the rate snowpack’s melt in warm temperatures and the levels of rain coupled with warm weather and snow melting. 

The Port Bruce Flooding Information brochure outlines the essential steps to take before, during, and after a flood. It provides key actions to prepare for a flood, stay safe during the event, and manage the aftermath. This resource, along with others listed below, aims to equip residents with the necessary knowledge to handle flooding situations effectively and ensure their safety throughout the process.

Before Potential Flood Situations

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will issue a flood advisory if there is a potential for flooding and a flood warning if flooding is imminent. People are warned to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is very dangerous.  Keep your children away from floodplain areas. If you are on the Township’s Flooding Notification List, you will receive a call/email from the Township’s automated service letting you know that an advisory has been issued. To subscribe to this notification protocol, please complete and submit this form.

When an advisory is issued you should get prepared for a potential warning by preparing an emergency kit that includes the following:

  • Food and water
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery powered radio
  • Packing an overnight bag including medications
  • Check your home; be sure valuables are “high and dry”.  This includes securing all non-permanent outdoor items such as propane tanks, lawn furniture, children’s toys, etc
  • Have identification for each member of your household and any important personal and family documents
  • Remove toilet bowls, and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden plug

 

Be prepared in the event of a flood emergency by reviewing some tips and tricks for flood preparation. 
For more detailed information in cleaning up after a flood visit the Get Prepared - Floods website.
Ice Jam Flooding: Causes, Risks and Conservation Authority Roles
If you must Evacuate 

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will issue a flood warning when flooding is imminent. The Township will notify all residents who are on the Flooding Notification List via the automated calling service letting you know that a flood warning has been issued. 
Volunteer firefighters may also be knocking on doors to advise residents of the warning and the emergency shelter location.  At this point, you should:

  • Leave immediately.
  • Report to the Township’s flood emergency reporting station, which will be manned by volunteer firefighters at the intersection of Imperial Rd and Half Moon Rd. and advise the volunteers you are leaving and where you can be contacted when it is safe to return.  The volunteers will record your name and 911 address. 
  • The Township will open an Emergency Shelter which will be available to you as a place to stay during the flood emergency should you choose to do so.

If someone in your home is immobile and requires assistance to leave, upon notification of the flood warning, please provide this information to the Township Office or volunteer notifying you of the warning. 
 
There are two emergency shelters for Malahide Township.  Malahide Community Place located at 12105 Whittaker Rd. Springfield – 519-765-4755 is the primary emergency shelter for the north half of the Township.  The Sommerfeld Church located at 6700 Springfield Rd. is the primary emergency shelter for the south half of the Township.  If required, the East Elgin Community Complex is the secondary emergency shelter located at 531 Talbot St. W. Aylmer – 519-773-5631.
 
For up-to-date information regarding flood advisories, warnings, ice conditions and all other flood emergency information, please visit the Malahide Township website  and the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority website.
After the Flood

Following a flood, it is important to restore your residence to good order as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health issues.  Prior to re-entering your house, please ensure that the building is structurally safe to do so. 
 
Flood water is potentially contaminated with sewage and other pollutants.  If you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, ensure that you purify it before drinking, either by boiling or adding purification tablets. 

FAQs
1. Why is Port Bruce prone to flooding?
  • Answer:
    Port Bruce is located in a floodplain near Catfish Creek and Lake Erie, making it particularly vulnerable to seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. Flooding often occurs in late winter and early spring, when fluctuating temperatures and melting snowpack can raise water levels rapidly.
  • Source:
2. When is flooding most likely to occur in the Township of Malahide?
  • Answer:
    Flooding generally occurs in the late winter and early spring due to rapidly melting snow and ice, combined with rainfall. These conditions can result in the overflow of Catfish Creek and higher water levels in Lake Erie.
  • Source:
3. What causes flooding in Port Bruce and surrounding areas?
  • Answer:
    Multiple factors contribute to flooding in this region:

  1. Heavy Snowpack: Large accumulations of snow that melt quickly in warm weather.

  2. Rain & Warm Temperatures: Rainfall accelerates snowmelt, increasing runoff.

  3. Ice Jams: Ice build-up in Catfish Creek can obstruct water flow, leading to sudden rises in water levels.

4. How do I receive flood advisories and warnings?
  • Answer:
    The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) issues:
    • Flood Advisory: Indicates the potential for flooding.
    • Flood Warning: Indicates flooding is imminent.

The Township of Malahide operates a Flooding Notification List that uses automated calls/emails to alert residents when advisories or warnings are issued. To subscribe, fill out the online form:
Emergency Warning Contact Form

5. What should I do before a potential flood situation?
  • Answer:

  1. Sign Up for Notifications: Enroll in the Township’s Flooding Notification List.

  2. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include food, water, flashlight, batteries, battery-powered radio, medications, and overnight essentials.

  3. Secure Valuables: Move important items “high and dry”—especially from basements or ground floors.

  4. Protect Outdoor Items: Secure propane tanks, lawn furniture, children’s toys, etc., so they are not swept away.

  5. Identify Documents & IDs: Have personal/family documents accessible in waterproof containers.

6. Do I need flood insurance?
  • Answer:

Standard homeowners’ insurance usually does not cover flood damage. If you live in a floodplain or high-risk area, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy. In Ontario, you must check with private insurers or specialized brokers for available flood insurance products. (The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is U.S.-based, so Ontario residents should consult local providers.)

7. What if there is a flood warning and I must evacuate?

  • Answer:

    • Leave Immediately: Follow official instructions from the Township and the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority.
    • Report Your Departure: Go to the flood emergency reporting station at Imperial Rd. and Half Moon Rd. Volunteer firefighters will record your information for safety tracking.
    • Use the Emergency Shelter if Needed:
      • South Half of Township: Sommerfeld Church (6700 Springfield Rd.)
    • Assistance for Immobile Residents: If someone in your home needs help leaving, inform the Township Office or the volunteer who notifies you of the warning
  • Source:
8. What if flood water contains sewage?
  • Answer:
    • Health Precautions: Floodwater may carry germs causing serious illness if ingested or if it contacts open wounds or eyes.
    • Keep Children & Pets Away: Avoid letting vulnerable individuals or animals come into contact with contaminated water.
    • Discard Contaminated Food: Any food (including packaged) that touches floodwater should be thrown away.
    • Clean & Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any areas, floors, or items that have come into contact with sewage-laden water. 
  • Source:
9. What steps should I take after a flood?

  • Answer:

  1. Check Structural Safety: Inspect your home before re-entering to ensure it is safe.
  2. Beware of Contamination: Floodwater can carry pollutants and sewage.
  3. Purify Drinking Water: If you suspect contamination, boil water or use purification tablets until the water supply is declared safe.
  4. Document Damage: Take photos or videos for insurance claims.
  5. Remove Wet Materials: Dry out the property to prevent mold growth and structural damage.
10. How can I stay informed about flood conditions?


 

 

 


 

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