The
spring floods
are once again upon the National Capital Region.
The rains have been steady for almost a week, bringing several districts close to flood levels, particularly those along the
Ottawa River
.
Here’s what you need to know about the possibility of flooding in Ottawa and throughout the region.
Current situation
The biggest area of concern is along the Ottawa River, where heavy rains and faster-than-normal snow melting have pushed water levels to near-flood levels.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board warned that the water had reached, or soon would reach, minor flood levels in flood-prone areas along the river from Pembroke downstream to Carillon at the Quebec-Ontario border.
In Gatineau, that city said flood waters were expected to reach 2023 levels by Sunday. Water levels on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River have already risen as much as 14 centimetres. The city said 33 roads and 119 buildings were at risk of flooding in the coming days according to current conditions.
“We are keeping a close eye on the entire territory and adjusting our interventions as the situation changes. All necessary resources are at the ready, prepared to respond quickly to any eventuality, in collaboration with our partners, to guarantee the public’s safety at all times,” Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said in a statement.
The City of Ottawa has closed several roads and paths as a precautionary measure.
Both cities have established multiple stations where residents can fill up sandbags to protect their properties. (More on that below.)
For those along the Rideau River, things are so far looking a bit rosier.
“While there are currently no flooding indicators of concern, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions, which remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall amounts,” according to a statement on the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s website on Thursday.
What’s the weather outlook?
Environment Canada issued a slightly ominous statement Friday.
“Rainfall (10-20 mm) expected Saturday into Sunday. The ground, already near saturation, has a limited capacity to absorb this rainfall.
“A cold front will sweep through the region Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing showers and the risk of a thunderstorm. Then another round of showers, possibly mixed with snow, will move through Saturday night into Sunday morning.
“Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts.
“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Avoid low-lying areas.”
Where to get sandbags in Ottawa
- 1125 Tweddle Rd.
- Leo Lane at East Shore Road
- Armstrong Road between Boise Lane and Phillip Road
- 262 Len Purcell Dr. (Constance Bay Community Centre)
- Greenland Road at Armitage Avenue
- 128 Moorhead Dr.
- Lighthouse Lane at Loggers Way
- 2145 Roger Stevens Dr.
- 4127 John Shaw Rd.
- Barry Mullen Park parking lot at Grandview Road
- End of Jamieson Street
- End of Rowatt Street
- Belltown Dome, 2915 Haughton Ave.
- 29 Hurdman Rd.
- 911 Industrial Ave.
Where to get sandbags in Gatineau
- Parc Louis-Roy (5 rue Louis-Roy, Aylmer);
- Parc du Lac-Beauchamp (745 boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau);
- Parc Jack-Eyamie (40 rue du Bassin, Masson-Angers);
- Centre communautaire Saint-Jean-De Brébeuf parking lot (70 rue Moreau, Gatineau)
For closures on
National Capital Commission lands
:
Flood conditions in local watersheds
For central Ottawa and regions to the south, a flood watch is in effect for parts of the Rideau River in the Tay Valley and Rideau Lakes regions as water levels and flows remain high, according to the
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
.
In the western part of the city, the Mississippi River is under a flood watch statement, also due to recent mild temperatures and increased water levels, while a flood outlook statement has been issued for the Carp River, the
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
says.
And in the eastern reaches of Ottawa, the
South Nation Conservation Authority
says the South Nation River is under a flood outlook statement as the ground “is currently saturated and has limited capacity for infiltration.”
Want to read more? Here are some of our recent stories
Ottawa River flood risk rises as city closes some roads
Residents on the Ottawa River brace for possible flooding
Here are some more information sources
City of Ottawa emergency preparedness page.
City of Gatineau flooding preparedness page
