Marie Penko and her neighbours won’t be getting much sleep this weekend.
Co-owner of the Commissary, which has stood at the corner of Christie Street and McLeod Street in the city’s East End since her grandparents opened in the late 30s, Penko and her partners just reopened the local landmark Easter weekend after last May’s flood. Now, 10 days away from the flood’s anniversary, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for Sunday. More than 50 millimetres of rain could hit the city and surrounding areas.
Penko said they’ve done all they can to prepare for the worst but there’s nothing that can be done to prepare if the neihgbourhood’s sewer system overflows like it did last year.
“We’re very nervous,” Penko said Saturday morning as a steady stream of customers, most of whom she knew by name, came in.
“That’s the biggest fear. Sewage is sewage you can only do so much.”
The May Long weekend is the start of the camping season, which brings in more customers looking for the store’s legendary sausages. Penko said she’s been hearing a lot of concern from neighbours and customers about another potential flood. The last one closed her business for nearly 10 months, leaving the owners to work for free and laying off staff.
“I dread that happening again,” she said.
But if the worst does happen, Penko said they’ll rebuild all over again.
“You gotta keep going,” she said.
The LRCA upgraded its flood outlook to a flood watch Saturday. Communities affected include Thunder Bay, Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah and the townships of O`Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion.
Rainfall in excess of 50 millimetres expected to fall on Sunday, with the number rising if thunderstorms hit.
The warning cautions residents to be careful around area waterways and remove stored items next to banks to higher ground.
Parents are also reminded to keep children away from all waterways.
The LRCA says it issues flood warning when conditions indicate the potential for flooding exists. It remains in effect until Tuesday.
