The purpose of this email is to provide you with an update on current conditions, as well as the City’s on-going flood preparedness work.
The City remains in Enhanced Operations, and activities are being centrally coordinated through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The City continues to monitor information from the Conservation Authorities. At this time, flood forecasts remain within the return period for a 10-year event, indicating an onset of flooding slightly beyond “normal” (i.e., 1 in 2-year or 1 in 5-year events).
Early yesterday afternoon, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRB) released the following statement:
“Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are increasing in all locations in response to the rapid melt of the snowpack in the basin. Between Lake Coulonge and the Montreal region, levels are expected to continue increasing today and tomorrow, stabilizing near the major flood level over the next few days. The major flood level is defined as the level at which one or several streets are beginning to flood, with several houses/buildings or neighbourhoods being affected. Water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River.”
FLOOD PREPAREDNESS
Over the past week, the Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) completed visits to all homes identified as being in higher flood-risk neighbourhoods. Specifically, OFS attended residences that would be expected to experience flooding during a 1-in-20 year event (i.e., higher than what is currently expected). The visits provided the opportunity to distribute information pamphlets and to connect with residents directly.
In addition, the City has focused on the following:
Regular surveillance by the Infrastructure and Water Services Department’s Stormwater Management Team of the most recent forecasting provided by the Conservation Authorities, as well as on-site assessments of local conditions by Public Works Department staff in West Carleton, Britannia and Cumberland.
The provision of sand and sandbags at various locations around the City for residents to access. For locations, please visit: ottawa.ca/springflooding.
Sandbag filling operations by staff from the Public Works Department and Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department so that filled sandbags can continue to be dropped off in specific neighbourhood locations that are within low-lying areas more prone to flooding at this time.
Targeted deployments of hand-washing stations and portable toilets, and provision of water for affected residents at three locations in West Carleton that have experienced minor flooding already, impacting residential well systems:
Sandbagging station at Lighthouse Lane (intersection of Lighthouse Lane and Loggers Way);
Roadside in front of 167 Moorhead Drive; and,
Roadside in front of 22 Moorhead Drive.
Please note that based on current conditions and feedback from residents and Members of Council, the City will maintain its focus on the above activities over the weekend.
The West Carleton Disaster Relief group is organizing volunteer sandbagging initiatives in West Carleton.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The Infrastructure and Water Services Department is playing a formal role in the City’s EOC. Additionally, they have mobilized their Departmental Command Centre to coordinate around three main areas of operational focus:
Drinking Water to protect the drinking water plants and ensure continuity of operations;
Wastewater and Stormwater to ensure that the public is protected from basement flooding; and,
Infrastructure and Asset Management to monitor and respond to potential impacts to City infrastructure, such as roads and culverts.
At this time, there are no concerns to report, from a critical infrastructure perspective.
COMMUNICATIONS
As always, we encourage residents to join the City of Ottawa’s Spring Flood 2023 Facebook group.
Residents can also visit ottawa.ca/springflooding to get information on current conditions, any road, pathway or park closures, planning and prevention tips, and sandbag depot locations.
NEXT STEPS
The EOC will continue to monitor conditions, engage with residents and stakeholders, and support preparedness activities.
We have received valuable input from Councillors to date, and look forward to continued collaboration with you.
Best regards,
Beth
Beth Gooding (she/her/elle)
Director | Directrice
Public Safety Service | Service de sécurité publique
Emergency and Protective Services | Services d'urgence et de protection