Timeline of updates
-
The city said crews are working around the clock on lift stations, sewers, and water treatment to keep services running. Residents with sewer backups should call 311 so impacts can be logged (high call volume may delay callbacks). River flooding is tracked by Conservation Sudbury — use its flood status and mapping tool to see if your address is at risk.
-
Mayor Paul Lefebvre declared a municipal state of emergency, calling it a precaution that speeds up decisions and helps the city prepare for localized evacuations if needed. Conservation Sudbury warned that snowpack still melting north of the city could push major rivers — including the Vermilion system — toward levels not seen in decades, with risk to McCharles, Simon, and Mud lakes and possible backflow into Junction Creek; the Whitson River corridor (including parts of Chelmsford) was also flagged. Fire Chief Rob Grimwood urged residents to watch for water above electrical outlets or gas meters.
At a glance
Declaration is precautionary: it adds tools for evacuations, mutual aid, and volunteer coordination if flood impacts worsen. Conditions can change quickly as warm weather returns.
Conservation Sudbury has issued a flood warning for the area. Local reporting notes some river reaches rising sharply and continued melt from the northern watershed over the following weeks.
Critical contacts
Numbers and links are summarized from public city communications. Last verified 2026-04-22. Open the city’s spring flooding page
River levels, floodplain risk, and mapping are led by Conservation Sudbury alongside municipal road and utility response. spring flooding page.
What’s happening
Live
City of Greater Sudbury
The municipality declared a state of emergency in response to spring flooding risk after heavy snowmelt and rain. The city’s spring flooding hub posts response updates, road closures, evacuation readiness, and safety reminders (for example: do not drive through flooded roads; keep children away from fast water; get utility help if water nears electrical or gas equipment).
Conservation Sudbury
Conservation Sudbury issues watershed flood watches and warnings and publishes forecasts for local rivers and lakes. Its mapping tool lets you check whether your property sits in a flood-prone area — use that alongside the city’s notices.