Stay informed and prepare for Ottawa River flooding

Residents who live along the Ottawa River and its tributaries are encouraged to stay informed, monitor conditions and initiate preparation plans as flooding conditions evolve. A series of weather systems, along with warmer temperatures, accelerated the melting of the existing snowpack in the upper areas of the Ottawa River, causing the water levels to rise quickly. 

Currently, minor flooding is occurring in low-lying areas, which are regularly flooded during the spring freshet period. This includes some pathways along the riverbanks and recreational areas located close to the river’s edge. Areas such as Petrie Island access are often affected earliest. 

This persistent weather pattern and runoff is forecasted to continue into the weekend, and water levels may reach major flood levels. Major flooding occurs when one or several streets begin to flood and several homes, buildings, or neighborhoods are affected.

The City has now activated its Emergency Coordination Centre, and is monitoring conditions and adjusting its response as needed. Fifteen sandbag filling stations are now open across the city to help residents prepare their properties, if needed. Ottawa Fire Services is conducting door-to-door flood preparedness visits in areas at highest risk of early flooding.

If you live along any waterway, there is an annual risk of some degree of spring flooding. That’s why it’s important to monitor the latest news, weather and river conditions, be prepared, and have a plan for flood preparations around your home.

Stay informed with the latest information by following:

• Our Spring Flood page, which provides information on:
  • Current situation
  • Sandbag filling locations
  • Current road and pathway closures
  • Other support information
• Local news media for the latest information
• The City’s Spring flood Facebook Group 

Residents should also visit their local conservation authority for the latest information and sign up for alerts:

• Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
• Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• South Nation Conservation

The spring flood season is unpredictable from year to year, and even week to week. So many variables play a role in the flooding impact – including weather, snowpack, rain events, and rapidly rising temperatures. In fact, these conditions can rapidly change the flood risk within the same flood season.

This is why you need to have a home plan to:

• Find the flood plain for your property
• Understand how the flood plain affects your property
• Determine the best location and height for a sandbag wall (if you identify a need)
• Remove any items from the flood plain area – including any potential hazardous items, such as propane tanks

Find our more home preparation plans on our sandbag page. If you don’t live near the river but have friends or relatives who do, check to see if they need assistance to fill sandbags or to assemble a wall on their property.

If you want to know more about spring flooding and how the City of Ottawa prepares, be sure to listen to our podcast OttaTalk: Will we see flooding this year?