Water receding - Gatineau preparing for restoration

Gatineau, May 8, 2026. – Water levels should keep falling gradually everywhere throughout the coming week. Most roads are open for local traffic other than heavy vehicles. In addition, Gatineau is starting restoration operations, including the collection of flood-damaged items and sandbags.

Collection of flood-damaged items

●	Starting May 11, flood victims will be able to temporarily set out near—not on—the road any flood-damaged items and flood residues. Residents will be responsible for loading those items into the containers provided.

●	Residents wishing to have a container installed near their home, can call 311 to request one when their items are ready for disposal. Roll-on/roll-off containers will be set up in different locations as needed.

●	Please note that this collection is only for flood-damaged items and flood residues. Gatineau asks residents not to use them for other purposes.

●	This collection will be underway for approximately six weeks. Gatineau will empty the containers throughout that time.

●	Municipal employees will be patrolling the streets to identify residents' needs.

Sandbag collection

●	Residents who would like to have their sandbags picked up should call 311 to make a request.

●	There will be two rounds of sandbag collection: May 19 and May 25.

●	Sandbags must be left at curbside to avoid impeding the movement of traffic and emergency vehicles. – Inasmuch as possible, these sandbags should be set out a few days before each collection. – Sandbags must not be placed on sidewalks, driveways, lawns or near fire hydrants.

●	After the May 25th collection, residents will have to bring their sandbags to the waste transfer centre at 860 boulevard de la Carrière.

Quick facts

●	Flood victims who have not yet registered and who require Red Cross services can still register by calling 311. – Red Cross services will continue to be renewed for registered flood victims as needed.

●	Please remember that anyone who feels the need can call 811, option 2, for psycho-social support.

●	Several roads are now open to local traffic. Gatineau is doing everything it can to reopen roads safely as soon as conditions allow. Crews are at the ready and working hard. – The public is asked to comply with posted signs. – For the latest road updates, go to gatineau.ca/flood.

●	Residents in the affected areas who are on a well and would like to have their water tested can go to the municipal laboratory at 858 rue Notre-Dame for free testing.

●	For additional information about what to do after a flood, go to gatineau.ca/flood.

Quote

“As water levels continue to fall, Gatineau is getting organized to support anyone who has been affected and to plan the next steps in the restoration. I would like to thank everyone for their collaboration in the past few days and the days ahead. It is essential that everyone remain prudent in the affected sectors, out of courtesy for the shoreline property owners and municipal crews,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette

Associated links

Ottawa River Current Conditions

Spring freshet

After a flood

Owners of artesian and surface wells

Cleaning up after a flood or sewer backup

Flooding or other disaster related financial support for property owners and tenants | Government of Quebec

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