Spring flooding : Update of May 8, 2017 - Water levels are remaining stable!
Gatineau, May 8, 2017. – Water levels are stabilizing and according to the forecast, the maximum water level has been reached. Gatineau is in contact with MTQ, who is working on implementing a solution to reopen some lanes of Highway 50 as soon as possible. The City is continuing to watch the situation and is reviewing its actions on the ground as needed. Police officers are patrolling the affected and flooded areas and watching the situation as it unfolds, both on the water and on the ground.
Status on the roads in anticipation of end of day rush hour on May 8
| ● | Many streets are closed in the city, making traffic more complex than usual. It is recommended that residents avoid or limit their travels. |
| ● | Whenever possible, residents are asked to work from home.
- Gatineau would like to thank local employers for their cooperation and understanding.
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| ● | If they have to venture out, motorists must:
- avoid driving around unnecessarily to let emergency vehicles pass through;
- use public transportation, carpool or drive outside of rush hour;
- slow down upon approaching affected areas;
- plan travels ahead of time;
- take into account the fact that major slowdowns are to be expected.
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| ● | To plan their travels, residents are asked to consult the map of affected streets on the municipal website. |
| ● | For the safety of all on the roads, motorists are asked to let patrol officers and signs in place guide them. |
Highway 50
| ● | MTQ is working on implementing a solution to reopen some lanes of Highway 50 as soon as possible. Highway 50 westbound (to downtown) remains closed until further notice.
- As soon as possible, MTQ will inform the population of the reopening of travel lanes.
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| ● | As a reminder, Highway 50 is closed to traffic:
- Eastbound (to Buckingham and Masson-Angers sectors), between Montcalm Street and Highway 5. A detour via Maisonneuve Boulevard is in place.
- Westbound (to downtown), between De La Gappe Boulevard and Montcalm Street.
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Fournier Boulevard
| ● | Rockfilling work was carried out by municipal teams during the night on Fournier Boulevard. |
| ● | Both lanes in both directions are open to traffic. |
| ● | For the safety of all, motorists are urged to slow down upon approaching gravel segments. |
Alonzo-Wright Bridge
| ● | No change for the drive back home. |
Street closures
| ● | The status on streets that are closed or affected by flooding can change quickly, depending on how the situation unfolds on the ground. |
| ● | Patrol officers from Service de police are deployed to manage traffic. It is important to follow the temporary signage and barricades in place. |
Traffic – Société de transport de l'Outaouais
| ● | In order to alleviate traffic, residents are urged to use public transportation and carpooling. |
| ● | Public transportation with STO is free on the entire network as of today and until further notice. |
| ● | Several lines have been rerouted due to local road constraints.
- STO uploaded a special page on its updated services for users: www.sto.ca/index.php?id=692&L=fr….
- The information will also be posted in social media.
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Culture and recreation program activities
| ● | The regular Culture and recreation schedule will resume at 4 p.m. |
| ● | Library branches are closed until further notice. |
Volunteers
| ● | Residents wishing to help fill sandbags can go to Aréna Campeau until 7 p.m.
- Aréna Campeau is located at 165 Des Sables Street.
- It is recommended to bring a shovel and gloves.
- As a preventive measure given the use of heavy machinery on the premises, volunteers must be at least 12 years of age.
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| ● | Gatineau would like to thank volunteers for their invaluable help and involvement! |
Statistics and quick facts
Preventive and voluntary evacuations
| ● | Number of homes evacuated by Service de sécurité incendie: 459 |
| ● | Persons evacuated on a voluntary basis by Service de sécurité incendie: 805 |
| ● | Persons being looked after by the Red Cross: 842
- Jean-René-Monette: 733
- Masson-Angers: 109
- Number of pets evacuated (registered/looked after): close to 150
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| ● | Homes where gas has been shut off: 276 |
| ● | Homes where power has been shut off: 333 |
Sandbags
| ● | Number of bags distributed since May 1: more than 283,000 |
| ● | Number of sandbags distributed since April 18: more than 358,000 |
Volunteers
| ● | 1,200 volunteers up to now today |
Number of municipal employees: More than 900 employees are taking turns day and night.
Number of military force members in support of municipal employees:
| ● | Sunday, May 7: some thirty military force members, five trucks and two boats. |
| ● | Monday May 8: 70 military force members |
Non-emergency call centre (311)
| ● | 8,219 calls from May 1 to May 7 |
| ● | 1,142 calls since midnight on May 8 |
Sewer back-ups
| ● | Number of sewer back-ups confirmed from May 1 to May 8: 29 |
Note
Statistics for this news release were last updated at 2 p.m. on May 8, 2017. These are the latest statistics available.
Liens connexes
Webpage on spring flooding
Impacts on traffic and map of flooded streets and sandbag distribution sites
STO's website – webpage on spring flooding
MTQ's website
Webpage on floods
Webpage on sewer back-ups
Fact sheet on sewer back-ups during a flood
Images
