Recent heavy rains cause both benefits and problems

Rain has created complications this summer, but it has not caused undue delays in the installation of the new sewer system in Nobleton. Photo by Bill Rea If you think there's been a lot of rain in these parts this summer, you would be right.

And that has resulted in a number of complications, along with a few benefits.

According to Environment Canada, a total of 217.3 millimetres of rain fell at Buttonville Airport in June and July, making it the wettest year since 2000, when 293.4 mm fell.

"It's been about eight years since we've have this kind of precipitation," observed Sandy Radecki, a climatologist with Environment Canada.

But she also pointed out that different places are going to experience different numbers.

"Not all storms hit all areas," she pointed out. "When you have a thunder storm, they're fairly small."

Things have been a lot wetter this year than last.

The Buttonville station reported 76 mm in 2007, 138.8 mm in '06, 83.1 mm in '05, 162 mm in '04, 117.8 mm in '03, 147.2 mm in '02 and 108 mm in '01.

Things have been wetter this year too at Pearson International Airport.

With 304.6 mm falling in June and July, compared to just 90.6 last year.

Environment Canada's figures state 150.6 mm fell at Pearson in June and July of 2006, 52.2 mm in '05, 182.6 mm in '04, 130 mm in '03, 118.6 mm in '02, 95 mm in '01 and 203 mm in 2000.

The last couple of summers have seen York Region trying to put the brakes on water use on things like lawns, but there have been no such efforts this year.

"That's one of the benefits of all this rain, that York Region has not issued any water advisories," commented King's Director of Operations Jody LaPlante.

Despite that, the news has not been all good for LaPlante's department.

"It's been more of a detriment to some of our roads," he said, pointing to more potholes, washouts and fallen trees and limbs.

The rains have caused some delays in construction projects, such as the sewer installation in Nobleton. But LaPlante pointed out that's been allowed for, as construction contracts are based on the number of working days.

"I don't think it's put us behind in any one area," he said.

The wet weather has had some benefit for King's firefighters.

Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge said grass-fire season usually runs from March until the end of May, so there hasn't been much impact in that regard.

"There is the odd one," he remarked.

He added they haven't had to issue any burning bans this summer. "This time of year is usually pretty touchy," he observed.

On the other hand, the chief reported they have had an increase in the number of call to deal with down hydro wires.

Burbidge added there's been no noticeable change in the number of traffic accidents his department has been called to deal with.

The Township also runs camp programs through the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, but Recreation Supervisor Chris Fasciano said the weather hasn't played much of a role with their operations.

He recalled things were very hot last year, obligating them to move a lot of activities inside, so this year hasn't seen much difference.

"We're outside as much as we can, and everybody seems to be having a good time still," he said.

York Regional Police reported traffic accidents normally increase because of bad weather, but they had no definite numbers.

OPP Constable Linda Kennedy, of the nearby Caledon detachment, reported they have had to deal with traffic hazards caused by fallen trees, and she warned motorists to be cautious.

"You don't know what's waiting around the corner," she commented.

As well, she said lightning will sometimes set off house alarms, and they have to be checked.

Be careful this summer.