Follow this story for the latest information on flooding affecting communities across our region.
The forecast
A rainfall warning from Environment Canada remains in effect. It was issued Thursday afternoon. The warning calls for rain, at times heavy, through the weekend. By the time the system leaves the region, it will have left an estimated 60 mm of rain behind. This comes after an April that saw over 147 mm of rain, and a 45 mm rainfall day on May 1.
The ground is already saturated and rivers are already swollen.
The Ottawa River
The Ottawa River Regulation and Planning Board says water levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River between Pembroke and Montreal are already high. Significant increases in water levels in that area are expected. The ORPB expects the peak Sunday or Monday into Tuesday. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for Constance Bay. The South Nation Conservation is advising residents of Alfred and Plantagent to prepare for increased water levels.
The Rideau River
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says Parks Canada staff have been making adjustments at all dams to reduce water levels with some success, but there is still too much water in Rideau Canal reservoir lakes.
Water releases from Big Rideau Lake will be made today, which will increase flows further down the Rideau. The RVCA says this will affect the Long Reach, between Manotick and Kemptville and is expected to submerge access roads to Hilly Lane.
Further, Windsor and Brantwood Parks in Ottawa are expected to be flooded again.
The RVCA expects water levels to peak late Sunday or Monday.
Ottawa
In Ottawa, 75 properties are currently impacted by flooding. The City says it has no reason to declare a state of emergency at this time, because city services are operating within capacity. The City is getting help from the Province, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
The following roads are already closed due to flooding:
Further, view a map of the latest closures of NCC pathways by clicking here.
The Ottawa Fire Service has been checking with residents in flood-prone and flood-affected areas, to see if they need any assistance. Some residents of Cumberland have already volunteered to evacuate their homes during the flood. Ottawa Fire says if you need help evacuating or any other assistance related to the flooding to call 3-1-1. If you are in an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
There are several locations in Ottawa where sand and empty sandbags are available if residents want or need them:
Water conducts electricity! If any part of your home is flooded to a level that rises above electrical outlets, or submerges appliances, you’re encouraged to contact your electrical utility to have your power disconnected.
The Constance Bay Community Centre (262 Len Purcell Dr, Woodlawn, ON) will be open to residents who need help. Send an email to info@cbbca.ca to get an access card that will give you 24/7 access. The Legion (377 Allbirch Road, Woodlawn, ON) is also offering support.
Emergency reception is also available at the François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Boulevard.
The City of Ottawa does not require volunteers at this time, but is encouraging you to help your neighbours, if need be. Donations to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are other ways to help, as these services are providing help directly to affected residents.
Gatineau
The Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers have flooded dozens of streets in the Gatineau and Masson-Angers sectors.
See a map of roads affected by clicking here.
Firefighters have been evacuating residents in these areas. As of Friday afternoon, 254 residents have voluntarily evacuated. More than 260 people are in the care of the Red Cross.
The City of Gatineau has set up shelters in partnership with the Red Cross in the following areas:
- Jean-René-Monette community centre (89 Jean-René-Monette Street);
- Masson-Angers service centre (57 De Montréal Road).
The City of Gatineau says costs associated with the services provided by the Red Cross will be fully covered by Quebec’s Ministry of Public Service (ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec) during the evacuation.
If you need psychological support, call 8-1-1. This is a free, confidential service that is offered 24/7/365.
Gatineau says Citizens who wish to help fill sandbags are invited to visit the Campeau arena (165 rue des Sables) on May 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is recommended to bring your shovel.
There are no boil water advisories in Ottawa or Gatineau at this time.
Clarence-Rockland
The City of Clarence-Rockland has declared a state of emergency. The area included in the state of emergency is the river front, from Canaan Road to Rollin Road, the area around the Clarence Creek as well as the area around Cobbs Lake. Evacuation is now mandatory and a shelter is being organized at the Clarence Creek Arena (613.488.2960).
For those who want to volunteer their time, you are asked to call in at 613.488.2960. The City has had an overwhelming number of calls in the last 24 hours, and says they we will do their best to coordinate and meet all of your generous offerings.
The sandbagging sites presently active are those located on Industrielle Street, 700 Industrielle Street, and in the TSC parking lot. There are more than 2000 bags already assembled on Woods Street and approximately 1000 bags on Pago Road. People who need them can go and pick them up.
Mayor Guy Desjardins says he has spoken to the Province of Ontario about getting money from the Ontario Disaster Fund for anyone who may not be insured.
Pembroke
The County of Renfrew has just received a confirmation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that the Province of Ontario will be assessing and providing disaster relief funding for the flood impacted areas of Renfrew County. Details on what will be funded and how are forthcoming.