The Ottawa River is anticipated to reach significant flooding levels this week, with effects felt across various communities. According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s update from Monday afternoon, water levels are expected to stabilize between Lac Coulonge and Lac Deschenes. This surge is attributed to recent heavy rainfall and melting snow from northern regions.
Flood Level Projections
Moderate flooding is forecasted, with water levels substantially below the historical highs experienced in 2019. Communities downstream are likely to see increased water levels before they begin to stabilize by mid-week.
- Mattawa could witness a rise of 30 centimeters.
- Hull might see a rise of 20 centimeters.
- All levels are expected to remain at least 60 centimeters below the decade’s record highs.
Major Flooding Alerts
This week marks the fourth occurrence of substantial flooding in the area in the last decade, following patterns set in 2017, 2019, and 2023. Notably, the Pembroke area is not expected to reach severe flooding levels, which were classified as minor in the previous year.
Emergency Preparedness in Gatineau
The City of Gatineau is actively responding to the potential flooding crisis by opening a flood victim relief hub at the Gatineau Sports Centre. This facility will assist individuals impacted by flooding starting Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. Residents can register with the Red Cross on-site.
- Emergency parking lots will be available at:
- Sainte-Trinité Church on Duberger Street
- L’Amicale Pierre Lafontaine on Moreau Street
Authorities estimate that around 45 streets and 170 residences are at risk. Furthermore, up to an additional 100 homes may also face potential damages based on the latest board updates.
Fort-Coulonge State of Emergency
In a proactive measure, Fort-Coulonge, a community situated to the west of Gatineau, declared a state of emergency on Sunday night. The small town, home to about 1,300 residents, has established two dikes and closed the Marchand Bridge to mitigate flooding issues.
- Free sandbags are available at the local arena on rue du Centre Récréatif.
- Residents are advised to limit water use to preserve drinking water during the crisis.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
Reported road closures are increasingly common due to flooding. In Ottawa, key closures include Tweddle Road and Boisé Lane. Local ferry services are also affected, with the Ecolos ferry suspended and restrictions in place for the Bourbonnais ferry.
Flood warnings extend to other waterways, including the Mississippi River and Tay Valley, indicating medium flood risks, which may necessitate evacuations. Minor flooding has already been reported in areas like Gracefield and Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau.
Ongoing Monitoring and Community Vigilance
Residents along the Ottawa River are watching closely as forecasts suggest the river levels will cease their rise by Tuesday. Local communities including Cumberland are on high alert, prepared to respond should conditions worsen.
