Spring flood: Ville de Gatineau readies for rising water levels

Gatineau, April 16, 2019. – Over the past few weeks, in anticipation of the spring flood, Gatineau has been monitoring river water levels and adapting its actions as the situation changed. This week has seen a rather significant increase in water levels in the territory.

Based on the weather forecast, the Commission de planification de la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais informs us that:

●	water levels are expected to surpass minor flood levels over the Easter weekend;

●	water levels may rise further depending on the amount of rainfall; and

●	water levels could reach April 18 – April 21 2017 levels. However, they will remain under the high peak levels observed in May 2017.

Gatineau remains on the alert, and is setting in place all the necessary measures to ensure the public's safety.

Shoreline residents also have a key role to play. Gatineau asks that they take the necessary steps to ensure their own safety and protect their homes. They are asked to consult gatineau.ca/crue and to sign up for text message and email alerts.

At a glance

More vulnerable sectors

●	The sectors that are most likely to be hit are listed below. This does not mean that other sectors will not be affected. Municipal crews are closely monitoring the entire territory.

Aylmer sector:

●	chemin Queens Park

●	rue Fraser

Gatineau sector:

●	rue Cartier

●	the neighbourhood between René and Blais

●	rue Jacques-Cartier Est

●	the neighbourhood between Riviera and Saint-Sauveur

●	boulevard Hurtubise (mainly the eastern part)

Masson-Angers sector:

●	rue du Fer-à-Cheval

Sandbags

●	Starting tomorrow at 1 p.m., sandbags will be available at the following locations for residents in the areas more likely to be affected.

Aylmer sector:
- Parc Louis-Roy

Gatineau sector:
- corner of Cartier and des Rapides
- corner of Saint-Louis and Moreau
- corner of Saint-Antoine and de la Baie
- corner of Saint-André and Saint-Paul
- corner of Campeau and Hurtubise

Masson-Angers sector:
- corner of du Fer-à-Cheval and du Quai

●	Proof of residence will be requested for sandbags.

●	For instructions on how to build a sandbag dike, residents can watch the video at gatineau.ca/crue.

●	We ask that residents only get enough sandbags to meet their own needs. - Sandbags should be used to protect homes, not gardens and flower beds.

Other steps being taken by Gatineau

●	Gatineau is keeping in touch with its partners, in particular the Bureau de la sécurité civile du Québec.

●	Measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of residents at all times and as the situation changes.

●	Sandbags will continue to be filled and distributed as required by changing circumstances.

●	Gatineau is prepared to provide rockfill for certain roads if necessary.

●	Municipal infrastructures are also being closely monitored.

●	If necessary, municipal departments will close certain streets, and the police will look after traffic.

Prepare

●	Residents are responsible for taking the initial steps in ensuring their own safety, as well as that of their families and belongings.

●	At all times have an emergency kit with essential items for each family member. According to the government of Canada Web site www.getprepared.gc.ca, your kit should keep you self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

●	Build up a food supply, and make sure that you have enough for yourself and your family for several days.

Keep informed

Residents should regularly consult gatineau.ca/crue, where they will find information about:
- changing water levels;
- real time updates, including all communications on the topic released by Gatineau;
- useful tips, namely what to do before, during and after a flood;
- how to use sandbags to protect your home with sandbags (video); and
- signing up for text message and email alerts.

●	Gatineau will update the Web site and inform residents as soon as new information becomes available.

Safety tips

●	As it does every spring, Gatineau is asking residents to be cautious along rivers and waterways.

●	Residents are asked to remain vigilant and to call 311 to report any disturbing situation. If the safety of persons or property is at risk, they should call 911.

Associated links

Spring flood

Sign up for text message or email alerts

How to build a sandbag dike

Video

Animation: how to build a sandbag dike

Distributing sandbags (map)

– 30 –