Flood information

People are advised to stay away from flooded areas as to not impede the flood response operations. All unnecessary foot and road traffic in impacted areas should be avoided. Residents who are not volunteering and do not have property in the area should stay away.

Residents should avoid slopes and hills close to bodies of water and exercise extreme caution at all times.

The City of Ottawa is asking residents to stay off the Ottawa river in and around the areas impacted by the recent floods.  Boating close to shore may cause wakes which contribute to additional damage to homes, flood barriers and so forth.

Current situation

On Thursday, April 25, Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency for the city of Ottawa in response to flooding along the Ottawa River. Following the declaration, the City formally requested assistance from the Province of Ontario with management of the emergency operation.

The City is coordinating an evacuation plan for residents who live where floodwater is posing an imminent threat to safety, life and property. Affected residents will be informed through a visit by City staff, who will provide specific advice, namely to either evacuate or prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

The Ottawa River and tributaries are expected to continue rising over the next several days. City staff are continually tracking and evaluating water levels along the Ottawa River to determine whether residents in certain homes will be advised to leave.

Support from the Canadian Armed Forces arrived in Ottawa on Friday, April 26 and members of the military are assisting with the emergency response.

Residents who need help on their properties to prepare for the expected flooding may be able to access volunteer support. The City has partnered with Team Rubicon Canada and Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue (OVSAR) to help residents prepare sandbag walls or to help with clean-up. Register here to request support. Those who do not have Internet access can also call 211 or the toll free number at 1-877-761-9076 to register.

Communication is key during a flood emergency. In the event of any emergency, the City of Ottawa will provide important information and updates to affected residents in a variety of ways.

For information on water levels, see the following websites: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the South Nation Conservation Authority, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the 100-year flood plain map.

Also visit the Residential Flooding page on OttawaPublicHealth.ca.

The City has partnered with Team Rubicon Canada and Ottawa Volunteer Search and Research (OVSAR) to help residents prepare sandbag walls or to help with clean-up. Register here (link is external) to request support. Those who do not have Internet access can also call 211 or the toll-free number at 1-877-761-9076 to register.

Residents are requested to only register once for Team Rubicon Canada support. Completing multiple online or telephone requests can cause additional backlogs.

Each residential property will initially be assessed by a Rapid Damage Assessor and response will be prioritized based on need and risk.

Team Rubicon Canada and OVSAR will assign volunteers to residential properties based on priority. These volunteers will assist with sandbag wall preparations.

This service is a volunteer-run organization and capacity is based on volunteer availability. Should you wish to volunteer with flood preparation efforts, information is available here.

The City has opened three Community Support Centres to provide on-location support to residents affected by flooding.  These centres will remain open as long as they are needed.

At each location, visitors will be able to speak to representatives from the City’s Community and Social Services department and Ottawa Public Health. Representatives from the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army will also help triage resident needs, answer resource questions and follow up on resident inquiries or direct them to the appropriate service.

Self-evacuation registration: refer to the Red Cross website for hours available

Locations

West Carleton-March Community Support Centre

• Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre, 262 Len Purcell Lane
  • Open 24 hours until further notice
• Services available:
  • Bottles of water
  • Canadian Red Cross staff
  • St. John Ambulance staff, from 10 am to 7 pm
  • Emergency social services for emergency housing and personal support
  • Public health nurse, from 10 am to 7 pm
  • Public health inspector, from 10 am to 7 pm
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Food, provided by the Salvation Army
  • Electrical outlets for charging devices
  • Wifi

Bay Community Support Centre

• Pinecrest Recreation Complex - Barbara Ann Scott Arena, 2250 Torquay Avenue
  • 10 am to 7 pm
• Services available:
  • Bottles of water
  • Canadian Red Cross staff
  • Emergency social services for emergency housing and personal support
  • Public health nurse
  • Public health inspector
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Food, provided by the Salvation Army
  • Electrical outlets for charging devices
  • Wifi

Cumberland Community Support Centre

• Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road
  • 10 am to 7 pm
• Services available:
  • Bottles of water
  • Canadian Red Cross staff
  • Emergency social services for emergency housing and personal support
  • Public health nurse
  • Public health inspector
  • Toilets
  • Food, provided by the Salvation Army
  • Electrical outlets for charging devices
  • Wifi
  • Showers are available at R.J. Kennedy Arena, 1115 Dunning Road

The number one priority is filling sandbags and supporting homeowners along the Ottawa River in danger of flooding.

Beginning Sunday, April 28, volunteer registration to support West Carleton-March has moved to the Dunrobin Community Centre at 1151 Thomas A. Dolan Parkway.

Volunteers are asked to check in as follows:

Date: Sunday, April 28 to Wednesday, May 1
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Locations:

• New location: Dunrobin Community Centre at 1151 Thomas A. Dolan Parkway.
• Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road. A shuttle will transport volunteers from the Museum to the site and back.
• Ron Kolbus Centre, 102 Greenview Avenue (upper parking lot)

Volunteers are asked not to bring their own equipment, except for the following:

• Weather-appropriate clothing that may get dirty, wet or damaged
• Work gloves if you have them, otherwise they can be provided
• Close-toed footwear (ideally steel-toed boots)
• Water and snacks. Lunch will be provided.
• Sunscreen

Other information for volunteers:

• When you arrive, please present yourself to the Volunteer Registration Centre.
• First time volunteers will need to complete an Emergency Support Volunteer Registration and Liability Waiver.
• You will need to wear an armband or other identification that will be provided.
• Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers under 18 must be supervised by an adult or legal guardian.
• Food will be served from 12 pm to 6 pm at all location sites
• More information on what to expect when you volunteer.

The Chaudière Bridge has been closed by Public Services and Procurement Canada to all vehicles and pedestrians as of 6 am on Sunday, April 28. Commissionaires will be stationed at both ends of the closure to redirect all vehicles and pedestrians to the Portage Bridge. This closure is a result of forecasted high water levels and flows and will remain closed until the water recedes to a level where the bridge is safe for inspections and use.  Transit and transportation routes have detours in place.

Up to date information on road closures caused by flooding is available on our Interactive Traffic Map. Click “Incident” box on the right-hand side to see the closures.

Sand and sandbags have been deployed to various locations throughout Ottawa. If residents require sand and sandbags, they can collect material at any of the following locations:

Core

1. 29 Hurdman Road
2. 1683 Woodward Drive
3. Churchill Avenue North and Ferndale Avenue
4. Jamieson Street at the Ottawa River
5. Rowatt Street at the Ottawa River
6. Belltown Dome (2915 Haughton Avenue)

East

7. 2490 Old Montreal Road
8. 2264 Colonial Road (Navan)
9. 911 Industrial Avenue

West

10. 2941 March Road
11. 4127 John Shaw
12. 2121 Huntley Road
13. 1655 Maple Grove Road
14. 262 Len Purcell Drive
15. 5201 Canon Smith Drive (Fitzroy Provincial Park)
16. Greenland Road at Armitage Avenue
17. 377 Allbirch Road at the Legion
18. 320 Mississippi Drive
19. 274 Morris Island Drive
20. Grandview in the Park (Barry Mullen Park)
21. Richmond Memorial Community Centre (6095 Perth Street)
22. MacLarens Landing at the boat launch

South

23. 2145 Roger Stevens Drive
24. 4244 Rideau Valley Drive
25. 1159 Moodie Drive on Dibblee Road - across from 101 Dibblee Road

NOTE: The location that was at the beach at Moorhead Drive has moved to 5201 Canon Smith Drive, in Fitzroy Harbor.

How to make a sandbag wall

Stay informed

• Listen to the radio and follow social media for current advice and instructions from local emergency officials.
• For information and updates, visit ottawa.ca.

What to do

• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather.
• Report to a community support centre.
• Follow the directions of emergency personnel.
• If you are self-evacuating please register your household with the Red Cross to ensure you receive all available support.

Your home

• Secure your home by closing and locking all windows and doors.
• Take your emergency preparedness kit with you, including medications and important legal and insurance documents.
• Pet evacuations: we encourage residents to make your own arrangements for your pets’ evacuation. If you cannot find a shelter for your domestic pets you can call 3-1-1 and submit a by-law service request for an officer to collect your pet and take them to the Ottawa Humane Society.
• Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve.
• Shut off the electricity.
  • If the area arund the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick.

Emergency contact info

• Contact or leave a note for family members indicating that you have left and where you have gone.
• Call a designated out-of-town relative or friend so they can tell loved ones that you are safe.

Your car

• If you are in a car, try not to drive through floodwaters.
• If you are caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls, leave the car.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely.
• Take one car per family to reduce congestion and delays.
• Obey speed limits and the direction of officials, as some roads may be closed.
• Never try to cross a flood area on foot.
• Do not drive through flooded roads.

Financial donations

The Canadian Red Cross is coordinating financial donations, which will support individuals, families and communities that are currently affected by flooding in Ontario. You can donate to the Ontario Floods Appeal:

• Online
• By calling 1-800-418-1111
• By contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office

Food donations

The Ottawa Food Bank is accepting food donations for those currently affected by flooding. Food drop-off locations can be found on the Ottawa Food Bank’s website.

Clothing, furniture and household donations

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of clothing, furniture and household items in anticipation of increased requests from residents affected by flooding. You can donate items in person at Salvation Army thrift stores.

This year’s spring flooding is a stressful time for everyone – especially those who are experiencing flooding in and around their homes. Residents in the affected areas are asked to remain calm and work with their neighbours. If you know someone with a disability or other vulnerability, please check on them and provide any support.

Emergency services and Ottawa Public Health are conducting door-to-door wellness visits in all affected areas. During a wellness visit, staff speak with residents, gather information (such as phone numbers), check for hazards and help should the resident wish to voluntarily evacuate. Wellness visits will continue throughout the weekend.

As water levels on the Ottawa River continue to rise, Hydro Ottawa has issued warnings to ensure residents stay safe should flooding occur.

There are several ways floodwater can enter your home and pose health or safety risks. Ottawa Public Health has information about staying safe during a flood and recovery after a flood.

Being prepared and having a plan will help residents deal with the stress and disruption that go along with flooding events.

Residents can help prevent basement flooding with a few simple changes around the home:

• Seal window wells and cracks in floors, walls and the foundation.
• Slope ground away from the foundation to allow rainwater to flow away from the home.
• Direct downspouts from eaves troughs away from the foundation (minimum of 1.2 metres) or to a rain barrel(s).
• Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system or foundation drains.
• Ensure foundation drains direct water to the storm sewer or sump pump. Foundation drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer.
• Ensure the sump pump is connected to the storm sewer or discharges to the ground at least 1.2 metres from the foundation.
• Install protective plumbing devices, such as backwater valves which protect against surcharging in City sewers. The City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program offer rebates to qualified homeowners.
• Maintain existing protective plumbing devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A protective plumbing device should be maintained periodically or before a forecasted heavy rainfall to ensure it is free of debris, functioning properly and that cleanout caps and access covers are firmly secured.
  • In older homes, especially those with cast iron pipes, additional maintenance may be required, as rust can accumulate at the hinge and prevent proper closure of the backwater valve during a surcharge event.
  • For more tips on backwater valve maintenance, refer to a video on Backwater Valve Maintenance from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

For more tips on preventing basement flooding, refer to the Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

Backups and flooding can occur as a result of:

Blockage of the lateral

If the lateral from your home becomes blocked, sewage from inside your home may back up into the basement. The blockage may be due to:

• Accumulation of grease, paper, kitchen waste or other foreign objects
• Presence of tree roots (private or City-owned trees)
• Collapse, misalignment or other structural defects of the lateral

Surcharging of the City’s sewer main

If the sewer main, generally located under the street, is blocked or damaged, sewage may enter your home due to increased water level or surcharging in the City’s sewer system.

Spring runoff

Melting snow and ice can leak through cracks or joints in your basement walls or floor.

River flooding

River flooding sometimes occurs in some areas of the city.

To find out if you live in Ottawa's 1-in-100 year flood plain, consult the City's interactive map.

• The City is responsible for the portion of the sanitary and storm sewer laterals from the property line to the street.
• The homeowner is responsible for the portion of the sanitary and storm sewer laterals from the property line to the home.
• There may also be shared responsibility if a lateral requiring repair or replacement crosses the property line.

The Residential Protective Plumbing Program provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices, such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves to prevent water and sewage from flooding homes as a result of increased water level (surcharging) in the City’s sewer system.

For more information, visit the Sewer backups and flooding page.

Staff gauges provide a quick and inexpensive way to record water levels during high water conditions. They are similar to vertical measuring tapes that are typically seen in or near watercourses such as streams and rivers.

The City, in cooperation with local conservation authorities, also uses information obtained with the staff gauges to update flood plain mapping and to improve the City’s response to flooding.

Local conservation authorities and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board monitor and forecast freshet conditions along the Ottawa, Rideau, Mississippi and South Nations River watersheds. The City’s additional staff gauges build on the existing monitoring network throughout these watersheds.

Locations

Rideau River

• Osborne Street (east of Brewer Park)
• Rideau River Drive South at Fentiman (east of Windsor Park)
• Brantwood Park (along Onslow Crescent)
• New Edinburgh (near southeast side of Union Street Bridge)

The City of Ottawa is asking residents to ensure that children and pets are kept away from City wading pools and play structures in parks located near a river.

Parks at risk for water pooling and flooding at this time include:

• Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Avenue
• Barnett Park, 2045 Regional Road 174
• Blair Road Boat Launch, Massey Lane/Ottawa River Pathway
• Brantwood Park, 39 Onslow Crescent (wading pool)
• Britannia Park, 2805 Carling Avenue (wading pool)
• Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way
• Dutchie’s Hole Park, 154 Mann Avenue (wading pool)
• New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue
• Osborne Park, 21 Osborne Street
• Petrie Island, 795 Trim Road
• Riverain Park, 400 N River Road
• Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road (wading pool)
• Windsor Park, 1 Windsor Avenue (wading pool)