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Lake Report
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Canada’s most-decorated community newspaper
Vol. 7, Issue 36 12
September 5, 2024
SUMMER OF THE FLOOD
Wet basements, lost valuables and overwhelmed sump pumps Kekoo Gatta.
NOTL home builder Kekoo Gatta drowns in Niagara River Staff The Lake Report A prominent NOTL custom home builder is dead after he went swimming in the Niagara River on Tuesday night. Kekoo Gatta, 60, didn’t return home after going for a swim in the river off his docked boat near the mouth of the river. Gatta was the founder and owner of Gatta Homes, a luxury development company based mainly in Niagara-on-the-Lake for more than 30 years. “Officers arrived on scene to learn that a resident of the home, a 60-year-old man, had gone swimming in the Niagara River off his docked boat,” Const. Phil Gavin with Niagara Regional Police said in response to questions from The Lake Report. “When his family did not hear from him for an extended time, they became concerned for his welfare,” Gavin said. Police refused to identify Continued on Page 2
The Apricot Glen storm pond has been level with Nathan Sacevich’s backyard several times this summer after rainfalls. SUBMITTED Richard Wright | Local Journalism Initiative | The Lake Report
Two extreme rainstorms in June and July created flash floods in several areas around Niagara-on-the-Lake, overwhelming sewers, drains, culverts, ditches, storm ponds and streams. They caused tremendous damage to homes and properties. In last week’s first instalment of our Summer of the Flood series, we offered an overview of the situation and told the horrific stories of several residents. In this second part of the series, in their own words, we share the stories of more residents who fell victim to the rushing water and sewage. In an accompanying story, we also hear from an expert who explains what exactly the terms 100-year and 500-year storm mean. Often used by public officials to explain the type of storms NOTL has endured this summer, some question whether they have any relevance in today’s world of rapidly changing weather patterns. Joyce Furlane: St. Davids We were affected by the heavy rain of June 18 and our entire basement was completely flooded. We lost most of our furniture and other belongings. With the repair and replacement of goods, the damage amounted to the $100,000 range.
The drain at the front of our house completely overflowed, causing the sidewalk and bottom of our driveway to flood. The sump pump could not keep up with the overflow of water from the town drain. In the aftermath we have replaced our sump pump, which, like
our basement, was only two years old. We also added a secondary pump with a water line connected to the town water in case of a power outage or for extra help if there is an overabundance of water. There is a second pipe com-
ing out with the original pipe to flow in a different direction. The town was also able to come out and clear the drain as well as the neighbour’s drain as they were flooded as well. I think with the new subdiviContinued on Page 6
Migrant workers have unequal access to resources, volunteer group says Julia Sacco Local Journalism Initiative The Lake Report Justicia for Migrant Workers began its open letter to the Ford government by stating that 2024 is en route
to becoming one of the hottest years on record. The group is a volunteerrun political collective that strives to promote the rights of migrant farm workers. This letter the collective submitted was addressed
to Doug Ford and Minister of Labour David Piccini: it includes a list of emergency measures the group demands the government implement for the safety of farm workers. This includes measures
that would allow workers to take adequate breaks during hot days and have access to first aid, plus the closure of farms during extreme weather. The Lake Report attended a press conference
last month with Minister of Agriculture Rob Flack and MPP Sam Oosterhoff and questioned the politicians on how they plan to address the concerns of farm workers and advocates. When questioned on what
will be done about workers who may experience heat stroke on the job, Flack said the government is still exploring the issue. “We’re looking into the Continued on Page 3