Darlings Island residents are once again cut off by flooding, but they do have a familiar option when they want to leave.
“Uber Rob”(Rob Dekany) is back with his boat and the provincial government has supplied other vessels.
Docks are set up by the covered bridge with rescue vehicles waiting to contend with any emergencies.
On the water with Uber Rob. He says in some spots the water is 15 feet high where it’s usually dry land. pic.twitter.com/4ZoZuNQhQv
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) April 24, 2019
Dekany says part of the reason he provides this service is that people are appreciative.
“People are just happy to see me and I’m happy to see them. It just makes their life a little bit easier knowing they can get off the island whenever they like.”
Approaching the dock on Darlings Island with Uber Rob this morning.
It’s very friendly. Everyone works well together. #Flood2019 pic.twitter.com/gENmSsBkdd— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) April 24, 2019
In terms of water levels, Dekany remembers a culvert where he docks his boat as the high-water mark in 2018.
“The water just crested over the culvert so that was the peak for 2018. The water level is maybe about six inches from being there.” Dekany said.
There is hope this will be the last year where a flooding contingency is required in the spring.
“They have already started construction on the road so, hopefully, next year people will be able to drive across.”
In the meantime, Dekany has a sign in place for his water shuttle offering service all the time but specifically during the busy morning run as people head to work and school and when they come home.
Negotiating the trees and debris to reach the mainland. #flood2019 pic.twitter.com/YNTguMgFkp
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) April 24, 2019
