Bradford’s Agar Avenue temporarily transformed into a river on Saturday afternoon, after Environment Canada warned of the potential for “severe thunderstorms” and “torrential downpours.”
Bradford Fire and Emergency Services crews responded to the scene around 4 p.m. where they found storm sewer drains had become blocked, causing water to flow over the curbs in some spots and run onto private properties.
According to Fire Chief Michael Rozario, crews were on scene for a couple hours using a fire truck and portable pump to remove as much water as they could after blockages were removed from two storm drains.
The service’s report on the incident makes no mention of damages or injuries, according to the chief.
Several of the drains in the area had been fitted with filtering bags, which are sometimes used during construction to prevent sediment, trash, and debris from entering into the drains, while still allowing water to flow through. Once the sacks become full, they can usually be emptied and reused.
A representative from Timbel Limited was able to confirm the construction company is performing ongoing work to replace the watermain in that area, but other than that said no one was immediately available to answer questions.
The work is being done as part of Phase 1 of the town’s 2023 urban roads construction project, which aims to replace the again watermain and rehabilitate roads, curbs and sidewalks on Miller Park Avenue, Davey Boulevard, Agar Avenue and part of Melbourne Drive.