HUNTSVILLE, Ont. – Central Ontario communities hit hard by flooding are hoping the worst is now over, and that the job of repairing the extensive damage can soon begin.

Seven communities in Ontario cottage country declared states of emergency as they grappled with flooding that submerged roads and forced dozens of people to evacuate waterlogged homes.

Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty says he hopes the floodwaters crested last night and that the situation will stabilize today.

He adds, however, that it will take months, and millions of dollars, to repair the damage to roads in his community.

The province’s Ministry of Natural Resources has also issued flood warnings for parts of northern Ontario, including the areas of North Bay and Parry Sound.

Ontario Minister of Community Safety Madeleine Meilleur says she’s spoken to a number of mayors of communities affected by the flooding and offered government support.

“Emergency Management Ontario field officers have been in contact with these communities, and, in the hardest hit areas, field officers have been deployed and are working to ensure municipalities have the support they need,” Meilleur said in a statement yesterday.