Dam threatens to burst in the Laurentians, residents evacuated from homes
People living in Chute-Saint-Philippe and Lac-des-Écorces in the Laurentians are being asked to evacuate their homes due to potential infrastructure issues at the Kiamika dam and Morier dike.
Municipal officials insist that all 563 residents who live along the Kiamika River must leave their homes, as first reported by Noovo Info.
"Do not waste any time," states a Facebook notice by the municipality of Chute-Saint-Philippe. "Leave your home immediately."
Residents were invited to seek refuge at the Centre sportif Jacques-Lesage (801 Alix Street) in Mont-Laurier.
"You will be given more detailed information on site," the notice adds. "Be aware that you will not have access to your home for the next five days and we will keep you informed of developments at all times."
Quebec Public Security Department spokesperson Joshua Ménard-Suarez says all 563 evacuees were able to stay with friends, family or in hotels and did not require the shelter.
Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel says he is "monitoring the situation closely," and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is on the ground.
Authorities say they suspect the problem may be caused by erosion inside the Morier dike, and inspectors are already on site to perform possible repairs.
Government inspectors found structural weaknesses in the Morier dike during a recent visit, said Ménard-Suarez, adding that they will require a minimum of five days.
The region affected by the evacuation order encompasses the entire area between the Kiamiki reservoir, Lac des Écorces and Lac Gauvin.
According to the Quebec Environment Ministry, the Morier dike was built in 1954.
It has a surface area of 4,248 hectares and a retention capacity of 382,000,000 m3, the equivalent of more than 100,000 Olympic swimming pools.
Chute Saint-Philippe, a village of just over 1,000 inhabitants on Route 331, is a 30-minute drive from Mont-Laurier.
Lac-des-Écorces, with a population nearing 3,000, is located at the junction of routes 311 and 117.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alleged gang member driving from U.S. arrested at Canadian border after making wrong turn
An alleged gang member coming from the United States was arrested at the Canadian border after reportedly making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge border crossing.
Kingston, Ont. doctor ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
'Bedlam': Nova Scotia lawyer suspended following ugly courtroom fracas
A Nova Scotia lawyer who had to be restrained by deputy sheriffs during a court appearance earlier this year has lost his appeal of a suspension following the bizarre incident.
After multiple data breaches, Yahoo settled a class-action lawsuit. The deadline to file compensation claims is approaching
Yahoo and Rogers customers in Canada have until the end of the month to claim up to $375 cash from a data breach settlement.
Wind chills of -50, snowfall of up to 50 cm: Canada's weather forecast
As the second day of December unfolds, Canadians from coast to coast are experiencing a range of wintry conditions. Here's what's happening in different parts of the country.
Neighbours who sheared tops of B.C. man's bamboo plants ordered to pay $1K in damages
A B.C. man whose neighbours lopped the tops off of four of his bamboo plants has been awarded $1,000 in damages by the province’s Civil Resolution Tribunal.
A 17-year-old player dies after collapsing during a charity hockey game in New York
A 17-year-old hockey player collapsed during a charity game in New York and later died, authorities said.
Canada lists Ansarallah, known as the Houthis, a terrorist entity
The Canadian government has listed the Yemeni militant group Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a terrorist group in an effort to 'fight terrorism globally.'
Multiple elements contributed to fatal Chinook helicopter crash in Ottawa River, investigation concludes
The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an 'unperceived acceleration' and environmental conditions were "significant contributors" to the crash in the Ottawa River.