The City of Gatineau says water levels are starting to recede, but it's still much too soon to declare the situation over.
At a press conference Tuesday, Gatineau mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin said water levels have been dropping at a rate of 1-2 cm per hour.
"Citizens are feeling hopeful," he said. "It's not going fast, but it's going in the right way."
However, the mayor is still urging residents to be patient, as the river is wide and it could take several weeks before flood-affected areas are clear.
"Even though the water is receding, it is too soon to change the status of streets that have been closed or restricted to local traffic only. Among other things, municipal departments have to check road conditions before allowing any reopening," the City said in a statement.
Gatineau says it is preparing a recovery plan, and will announce that information when it becomes appropriate. There will also be a need for volunteers to help with the clean-up effort. That information will be made available on the City of Gatineau's website.
Residents are being encouraged to continue using public transportation. The STO has been offering free service since Monday and will continue to do so until further notice.