For several years now, temperatures have been very variable, and I’ve noticed that we’ve been receiving torrential downpours that are causing damage or are likely to do so in the near future. Some might say it’s rare, but I’d say it’s more and more frequent! In fact, I have the impression that the situation is getting worse with each passing year.
The rains of May 17, 2025 occurred in a very short space of time, putting a lot of pressure on North Hatley’s sewers and drainage systems. This isn’t the first time water has overflowed onto Capelton Road in front of the Curling Club, but to have so much water accumulate is the first time since 2016. The photo below shows the accumulated water in front of the North Hatley Curling Club. By the way, the water has risen higher than the photo. I had never thought about the fact that the water could overflow in front of the house while the river is behind.
Other North Hatley residents were flooded in their basements. Here are some more images showing the extent of the rains and their impact on roads and homes.
Obviously, the lake water was already very high, and the runoff will last for a few more days, in addition to the rains forecast for the next few days. This is likely to further prolong the impossibility of passing by boat under the North Hatley pedestrian bridge.
In fact, many of the citizens I met were concerned about the municipality’s ability to react and organize in emergency situations like this one.
