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News release
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Spring flooding: a slight decline in water levels has been observed
Gatineau, May 9, 2017. – In the past few hours, Gatineau has found that water levels have diminished slightly. Since no further significant rainfall is expected this week, water should recede gradually. This process could take several weeks. Status report | ● | The maximum rise forecasted in water levels has been reached in most areas along the Ottawa River, between Mattawa and the Hawkesbury/Grenville area. |
| ● | Gatineau is continuing to watch the situation and is reviewing its actions on the ground depending on how the situation unfolds:
- The police department is patrolling and watching the flooded areas, both on water and on land. For example, police officers accompanied by members of the Armed Forces crisscrossed the flooded areas of Gatineau by boat last night.
- Public works employees are continuing their rounds and checking roads and trails. Appropriate signage is installed and reviewed as required.
- Firefighters are conducting a reconnaissance operation in flooded areas in order to ensure the safety of residents and are still carrying out preventive evacuations, as required. Since May 1, they have made more than 3,375 visits and evacuated some 533 homes.
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Traffic on the roads | ● | The status of many closed streets in the city is unchanged. Traffic is therefore more complex than usual. |
| ● | It is always recommended that residents avoid or limit their travels. |
| ● | In order to relieve traffic congestion, residents are invited to use public transportation and carpooling. |
| ● | As a reminder, public transportation is free on STO's entire network since Monday and until further notice. |
Highway 50 | ● | Gatineau is in contact with MTQ, who is working on implementing a solution to reopen certain lanes as soon as possible. Highway 50 westbound (to downtown) is now reopened.
- MTQ will inform the population as soon as other traffic lanes reopen.
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Fournier Boulevard | ● | Both lanes in both directions are open to traffic on Fournier Boulevard.
- In the lane going downtown, cones are delineating both lanes, so that lanes are appropriately marked and separated.
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| ● | Rockfilling work was carried out by municipal teams. For the safety of all, motorists are urged to slow down upon approaching gravel segments. |
Sandbags | ● | The demand for sandbags is slowing down at all distribution sites. |
Volunteers | ● | Since May 4, thousands of volunteers have filled close to 95,200 sandbags, including 43,500 on the afternoon of Monday. |
| ● | Once again, Gatineau would like to thank these residents for their dedication to flood victims. Their help is invaluable and their generosity is remarkable. |
| ● | Since the number of bags currently in stock is sufficient, no new sandbag filling operation is planned with volunteers for the time being. |
| ● | Gatineau residents wishing to contribute are asked to stay tuned for news released on Gatineau's website.
- Various additional operations calling upon volunteers could be organized in the coming days or weeks.
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| ● | In the meantime, Gatineau continues to promote mutual assistance between neighbours and within the community. |
Information session on government financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the flood | ● | The Government of Quebec has confirmed that flood victims could have access to certain compensations. |
| ● | An information session on the government financial aid available is planned tomorrow (May 10) at 7:30 p.m. at the Polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau cafeteria (360 La Vérendrye Boulevard East). |
Culture and leisure program activities – Centre sportif, water centres, outdoor centres, libraries and school facilities | ● | As a reminder, the following buildings are closed during the day today; evening activities should resume at 4 p.m.:
- Centre sportif
- Paul-Pelletier et Lucien-Houle water centres
- Lac-Beauchamp outdoor centre
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| ● | However, branches of the Gatineau library and arenas will remain closed in the evening. Sports activities in school facilities are also cancelled. |
| ● | The second round of day camp registrations is postponed to next week, due to the floods. As of May 16, it will be possible to register on line at gatineau.ca/inscription or in person at one of our service centres. |
Statistics and quick facts Preventive and voluntary evacuations | ● | Number of homes evacuated by Service de sécurité incendie: 533 |
| ● | Persons being looked after by the Red Cross: 987
- Jean-René-Monette: 818
- Masson-Angers: 169
- Number of pets evacuated (registered/looked after): more than 150
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| ● | Homes where gas has been shut off: 284 |
| ● | Homes where power has been shut off: 348 |
Sandbags | ● | Number of bags distributed since May 1: more than 300,000 |
| ● | Number of sandbags distributed since April 18: close to 676,000 |
Non-emergency call centre (311) | ● | More than 10,000 calls from May 1 to May 8 |
Note
Statistics for this news release were last updated at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. These are the latest statistics available.
Associated links
Webpage on spring flooding Impacts on traffic and map of flooded streets and sandbag distribution sites STO's website MTQ's website
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Published by
Service des communications
Ville de Gatineau
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