Spring maintenance and flood control

After the spring thaw, seasonal load restrictions are put into effect on some city roads. Seasonal load restrictions are authorized and supported by Infrastructure Services department.

During this time, the City improves road conditions and reduces potential flooding by:

• Using hot and cold mix asphalt to patch potholes during the winter and in early spring.
• Clearing snow from the ends of culverts and using steam to thaw frozen catch basins to allow maximum water flow and reduce potential flooding.
• Conducting a street sweeping blitz throughout Ottawa and concentrated street sweeping in neighbourhoods where there is continuous on-street parking.
• Grading gravel roads and shoulders to re-establish an even road surface.

For more information, please call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401)

Rural road maintenance

The City improves road conditions by:

• Patching potholes and repairing the road surface
• Patching potholes with hot asphalt in both summer and winter 

To learn more about pothole repairs you can watch this video.

To report any road deficiencies such as potholes, please visit ServiceOttawa.ca or call the City at 3-1-1.

Ditches, culverts and catch basins

• Crews remove snow and ice from some ditches.
• Where required, culverts are thawed using a steamer
• Crews clear roadway catch basins of ice and snow to promote drainage to minimize potential flooding

To report an issue, please visit ServiceOttawa.ca or call the City at 3-1-1.

Gravel roads and shoulders

• Gravel roads are graded to create an even roadway surface
• After the frost has lifted, crews perform spring maintenance operations, which includes the continued grading of gravel roads and shoulders to re-establish an even road surface for smooth and safe driving after the winter months.

For more information about road maintenance operations, visit the Road Maintenance webpage. To report an issue, please visit ServiceOttawa.ca or call the City at 3-1-1.

Road closure search tool

For citywide information on current road closures, construction and detours, use the roadwork and street closure search tool.

Reporting a street light outage

The City operates and maintains street lighting. To report a street light outage, please contact the City by calling 3-1-1 or by e-mail at streetlighting@ottawa.ca and provide an address for the street light location.

Please note that street lights are different from traffic lights (red/yellow/green).  To report a traffic light outage please contact 3-1-1.

Replacement of damaged mailboxes

Damage to rural mailboxes often occurs during winter, but a mailbox may be damaged by other types of road maintenance equipment. Find more information on Replacement of damaged mailboxes.

Additional information:

Farm equipment on the highway

Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Use and care of roads by-law

During the spring thaw period, typically early March to mid-May, some roads cannot withstand heavy vehicle loads. Every year, the City monitors thaw progression by utilizing the forecast temperature data from Environment Canada and the Weather Network to calculate the Thaw Index. When the Thaw Index reaches its threshold value, the load restrictions are imposed. Depending on the progression of the thaw, restrictions can come into effect quickly, sometimes with only a few days notice. The City also conducts deflection testing to monitor pavement strength as the thaw progresses. Once the pavement strength has been restored, the load restrictions are removed.

• As of 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020 commercial vehicles or trailers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of five tonnes or 11,000 lbs. per axle are prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted, and on all truck routes identified as restricted on the Truck Route Maps (Urban Truck Routes and Rural Truck Routes). These restrictions also apply to all non-truck routes. 
• Heavy vehicles that exceed weight limits on restricted load roadways during the spring thaw period will be subject to fines.

Local restrictions will remain in effect on the identified City roads until further notice (typically, mid May).

For further information on seasonal load restrictions, please call 3-1-1.

The annual spring clean up includes sweeping all paved roads and hard surfaces, to remove debris and materials that have accumulated throughout the winter that could pose dangers to traffic, pedestrians/cyclists and clog catch basins.

Residents are reminded to not rake or blow leaves, lawn clippings or other debris onto the roadway. This is an infraction of the Use and Care of Roads By-law 2003-498.

Street Sweeping is done in several phases:

• Sidewalks, bus stop pads and medians are cleaned first by a variety of methods using sidewalk sweepers, flusher trucks and hand brooms.
• City streets are swept by a flusher truck, which uses water pressure to flush the debris to the side of the curbs. A vacuum sweeper truck then picks up the majority of grit, debris, small particles and dust. This operation might be repeated several times to ensure a clean surface. If vehicles are parked on the street, the unswept area is noted and crews will return to sweep that portion. If you think a street has been missed, please call 3-1-1 or visit serviceottawa.ca to complete an online request. 

Street Sweeping in Concentrated Areas:

• Concentrated sweeping is conducted in core neighbourhoods which include the Downtown Core, Vanier, New Edinburgh, Sandy Hill, Glebe, Centretown, West Centretown, By-Ward Market, Lowertown, Ottawa East, Ottawa South, and Overbrook. These neighbourhoods receive concentrated street sweeping as a result of continuous on-street parking, which prevents effective sweeping. This type of street sweeping is usually conducted between 7a.m. and 7p.m.
• On-street parking restrictions are in effect in these neighbourhoods when marked. All Street Sweeping operations are weather dependant.
• Temporary “No Parking” signs are posted prominently. The parking restrictions apply to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits. ​
• Vehicles parked where temporary “no-parking” signs are posted could be ticketed and towed to nearby streets. Towed vehicles are usually moved a few blocks to a nearby street
• If you are unable to find your vehicle on your own, call the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 (TTY: 613-232-1123).

Every year the City provides sand and sandbags to residents who live in areas prone to Spring flooding. It is free of charge but residents must fill up the bags themselves. When snow starts to melt, empty bags and a pile of sand are left outside the main gate of certain City garages, and residents can go 24/7.

Locations

• 29 Hurdman Road
• 1683 Woodward Drive
• 911 Industrial Avenue
• 2145 Roger Stevens Drive
• 4244 Rideau Valley Drive
• 1159 Moodie Road at Dibblee Road - across from 101 Dibblee Road

Up to date information on road closures caused by flooding is available on our Interactive Traffic Map

Pedestrian and cyclist pathways closures:

National Capital Commission affected pathways (includes a map)

Due to the increased water levels on the Rideau River, we are closing the following pathways:

• Pathway under Bank Street at Riverdale
• Pathway under St. Patrick Bridge
• Pathway between Windsor Park and Main Street
• Jock River Park Pathway in Richmond
• Riverain Park – Multi-use Pathway closed
• Brantwood Park – Pathway closed

City of Ottawa park closures:

Park locations that are currently flooded and should be considered closed.

• Brewer Park – Lower Parking Lot and soccer fields
• Osborne Park - water up to/around picnic table
• Windsor Park Parking Lot - standing water

In February and March, the City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority undertakes ice breaking and clearing operations along the Rideau River during the freshet (when water flow is at its peak) to allow water to flow unrestricted and to alleviate possible spring flooding in flood-prone areas.

Rideau River flood control operations involve a number of steps:

Ice control

An ice control boom is installed in the late fall at Strathcona Rapids to slow the surface flow, promote an ice cover, and limit the volume of ice (slush), anchored ice and ice dams in the river. The ice control boom increases the efficiency of ice breaking and clearing operations in February and March.

Cutting keys

Starting above Rideau Falls, saws are used to cut keys to remove large pieces of ice along portions of the river.

Ice breaking operations

Charges (explosives) and amphibious excavating equipment are used in various spots along the river to break ice apart to create open water. Ice breaking operations continue daily until the river's flow is stabilized.

Flood control partner - Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) partners with the City of Ottawa on Rideau River flood control. The RVCA is an inter-municipal environmental agency charged with river and river-related environmental protection responsibilities for the entire Rideau Valley watershed.

RVCA assists the City's flood control operations by securing provincial funding, assisting in the evaluation of need for the ice removal program, assessing the environmental impact and implementing innovative flood control technology including the use of an amphibious excavation machine, and the ice control boom.

To learn more about the Rideau River Flood Control operations you can watch the following videos:

Fighting Floods on the Rideau River

Rideau River Flood Control

Preparing for a potential flood, protecting yourself during a flood and restoring your home after a flood can create a tremendous amount of anxiety for home owners.  The following links provide great information on protecting yourself and family from illnesses associated with contaminated flood waters. 

Before Flooding

During Flooding

After Flooding

Food safety

Flooding can pose food safety concerns as waters can carry contaminates such as raw sewage, chemicals and disease-causing organisms which may contaminate or cross contaminate food products, surfaces and equipment.  Here are some quick tips to help you stay safe:

• Ensure that anyone involved in all flood related clean-up activities wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Discard:
  • All foods that have been in direct contact with flood waters or sewage
    • All meats, fresh fruits and vegetables
    • All boxed foods
    • All products in jars, including home preserves and all bottle drinks           
  • Discard any items (example: single service items) that cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized that have contacted flood waters/sewage
  • Porous papers, plastics or packaging (i.e. boxes or bags of rice, flour, muffin/cookies mixes)
  • Containers with screw tops, corks or caps that are wet (i.e. dressings, milk, mayonnaise, beverages)
  • Rusted, pitted, dented, swollen or leaking cans
• Throw out food that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours
• Clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces, equipment, containers and utensils
• Launder or discard mops and any cleaning aids that contacted the flood or sewer waters
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after participating in any flood clean-up activities

How to make a sanitizer

Mix 1 tsp (5ml) non-scented bleach with 3 cups (750ml) of water

Don’t keep

• contaminated drywall, insulation and panelling
• equipment, furniture and linens that cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized that have been contaminated with flood waters/sewage (i.e. toaster)
• soft or porous materials that are not able to be cleaned

Water Safety

Flooding may also contaminate private wells with harmful microorganism and other contaminants.  Avoid drinking untreated well water until you have had your water tested and that sample results indicate the water is safe for human consumption.

Learn more about how to sample your well water for bacteria, interpreting testing results and what to do if your well water becomes contaminated.  Discover tips on how to prevent contamination of your well water. 

Cleaning your home after a flood

As you begin to clean up after a flood, you may initially feel overwhelmed when determining where to begin. Learn more on what to do After a Flood and Flooding and Your Health. 

For more information contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 to speak with a Public Health Inspector.

As snow melts in the spring and during times of significant rainfall, large bodies of water such as rivers may have stronger than usual currents. The City reminds residents to stay away from all bodies of water. Parents should ensure their children and pets stay a safe distance from any water's edge. Do not attempt to rescue people or animals should they fall into a river. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Will There Be Flooding in Your Area?

The potential for flooding does exist during the spring. Large amounts of rain may also cause flooding at any time. Flooding in your area will depend on your proximity to waterways and floodplains. The City is working with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the South Nation Conservation Authority, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources - who are responsible for monitoring water levels in our region. Check their Web sites for updates and advisories on potential river flooding.

Basement Flooding and Sewers

Help prevent basement flooding and reduce the negative effects of flood damage by making a few simple changes around your home. Plan ahead, educate yourself and take some early precautions to prevent water from getting into your home. Learn about sewer backups and basement flooding, from general questions to what to do and steps to follow in the case of a basement flood or your sewer backs up.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

The best protection in any emergency is knowing what to do.  Are you ready? 

If a flood is forecast or imminent in your neighbourhood.

• Move important papers/documents, electrical appliances and other important  belongings to floors above ground level
• Listen to the radio to find out what areas are affected, what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if you are asked to leave your home
• Keep your cell phone charged and your gas tank full in case you are asked to leave your home
• Keep your emergency kit close at hand, in a portable container such as a duffle bag, backpack, or suitcase with wheels
• If you are asked to evacuate take your emergency kit with you, follow routes specified by officials and make arrangements for pets.
• Check on others in your neighbourhood who may be more vulnerable and need extra help or support
• Monitor your local radio and television stations for updated news and weather information.
  • Emergency preparedness for residents
  • Emergency Preparedness Checklist
  • Emergency planning for rural residents
  • Car Survival Checklist
  • First Aid Checklist
  • Food and Water Kit Checklist
  • Important Family Documents
  • Special Needs Checklist
  • Pet preparedness checklist
  • Getting Back on Track After An Emergency

City information: call 3-1-1
For Life Threatening Emergencies: call 9-1-1

Additional Safety Issues

Ravines and Escarpments

If you live near ravines or escarpments, or if you are out in these types of areas, please be vigilant about any signs of instability and report any observed conditions to 3-1-1.

Wading Pools in City Parks

Keep children away from wading pools during spring thaw. Heavy rain falls, higher water levels and debris from spring thaw may cause drainage issues in wading pools. This may result in water back-ups and the accumulation of surface water which could pose a risk of drowning.

Road closures

As snow melts, your home can be impacted by the spring runoff. Improper catch basin and roadway drainage as well as excess water in backyards can lead to localized flooding and sewer back ups. Road and pathway closures due to flooding will be updated on the website daily.

Roadway Drainage

Assist with roadway drainage by ensuring that catch basins and drains (grates close to the curb) near your home are open and free of snow and ice. It’s normal for water to pool around a catch basin in wet weather. Roads are designed to drain based on the sewer capacity. Call 3-1-1 if you notice water building up on roads and the City will dispatch crews to investigate. Do not open sewer manhole covers (located near the middle of the street) to drain roadways as this will likely cause sewer back ups.

Rivers and Other Bodies of Water

If you live by a river or body of water with rising water levels, take appropriate safety measures. This includes clearing snow away from your foundation, sandbagging areas vulnerable to floods, and ensuring your sump pump is working properly. If you notice water levels rising around your home, please call 3-1-1.

Wells and Septic Systems

Water wells and septic systems should be graded to avoid ponding of water. In the event of flooding, the safety and operation of water wells and septic systems can be compromised. Learn about water wells and the importance of Flooding and Your Health and what to do if your well water becomes contaminated. Discover how to prevent contamination.

How can you help?

The City is currently not seeking volunteers but is advising residents who want to help to make sure friends and family - particularly children, seniors and people with disabilities - are also prepared for any potential flooding.