Flood update: Water levels will peak late this evening, and a glimmer of hope shines heading into the weekend

Gatineau, May 5, 2023. – Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) projections are holding in terms of water levels peaking by late this evening. After that, levels should stabilize for several days before slowly and gradually dropping starting early next week. Sunny and dry weather for the next seven days makes for a promising outlook. More precise projections should be available by the middle of the coming week, and Gatineau will keep you informed about the latest updates.

This encouraging news heralds a period of respite during which shoreline property owners should remain vigilant given that the situation remains precarious. The slow decrease in water levels means that these will remain high for one to two weeks, and could rise rapidly in the event of significant rainfall.

With the fine weather forecast for the weekend, Gatineau reminds everyone to avoid driving through the flooded areas and, whether using a car or a boat, to be prudent by slowing down on streets whose pavements are under water. Fast and dense traffic creates waves that could cause further damage.

Quick facts

●	To date, 628 people have registered with Ville de Gatineau. Of those, 85 people are in the care of the Red Cross and are being housed in hotels.

●	For the time being, 40 streets are flooded, and 23 of those are closed to traffic.

●	Since May 3, 131 wellness checks have been conducted, 10 of which were referred to the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSO).

●	Consult the interactive map at gatineau.ca/crue to find out more about road conditions, sandbag distribution sites, parking available to shoreline property owners, and areas that could be affected.

●	Flood victims who evacuate their home must register with Gatineau at the relief centre for flood victims, located at the Jean-René-Monette community centre (89 rue Jean-René-Monette). Flood victims who wish to remain in their home should report to Gatineau by calling 311.

●	Since the start of the flooding, approximately 139,000 sandbags have been used up by residents.

●	Gatineau will continue to update residents as the situation evolves. Residents are asked to sign up for text and e-mail alerts at gatineau.ca/crue.

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“Even though water levels will be peaking tonight, and the weather forecast for the next few days is providing a glimmer of hope, the situation remains precarious. It is very important that everyone keep their protections in place for a few more weeks. To our shoreline property owners, stay strong, and remain vigilant,” indicated Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle.

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