Gatineau, May 1, 2026. – The amount of rainfall since yesterday afternoon was less than forecast, and water levels remain slightly lower than expected.
According to the latest ORRPB indications, recent rainfall combined with snowmelt north of the basin continue to feed the river, gradually raising water levels. For Gatineau, the situation remains relatively stable, and there may still be a slight increase over the coming days. The river should level out over the weekend, and gradually recede over the coming week.
However, given that a significant amount of water is still expected from the north, water levels should remain high for the next few weeks, and another rise remains possible.
Vigilance and care remain essential
| ● | Shoreline property owners must remain vigilant and leave their protection measures in place. |
| ● | Even though some leveling out is expected over the weekend, Gatineau remains at the ready, continuing to monitor the situation and to respond as needed. |
| ● | Please note that it is important to avoid making waves when driving vehicles or watercraft. |
Getting around and road closures
| ● | Road closures are being continuously reassessed as the situation changes on the ground. People are asked to consult the map at gatineau.ca/flood to check the current restrictions and plan their movements. |
| ● | The site contains other information as well, such as parking for shoreline property owners and the location of trash containers in affected areas. |
| ● | It is important to avoid roads closed to traffic until they are officially reopened. |
| ● | When roads reopen, it is for local traffic only – to let emergency vehicles through and to enable shoreline property owners to stock up on supplies. |
| ● | In addition, traffic on the Ottawa River should be avoided from the Aylmer to the Masson-Angers sectors. |
| ● | The affected areas are still considered stricken zones: vigilance remains essential to ensure everyone's safety. |
Services for the public
| ● | Sandbag distribution sites remain accessible from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for anyone needed to stock up. |
| ● | In addition, Gatineau is starting preparations for a gradual return to normal. As soon as conditions allow, shoreline property owners will be notified that it is safe. |
| ● | The flood victims relief centre remains open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Centre sportif de Gatineau. |
| ● | Currently, 252 people (123 households) have registered as flood victims with the Red Cross, and 106 people are in shelters. |
| ● | Anyone wishing to register as a flood victim or to access this service should call 311. |
| ● | Anyone who feels the need can call 811, option 2, for psycho-social support. |
Government financial assistance program
| ● | The General Financial Assistance Program Regarding Disasters, run by the ministère de la Sécurité publique (MSP), can provide assistance for certain eligible damages or expenditures related to the flooding. |
| ● | To find out more about eligibility conditions, expenditures and payment amounts, and to apply, go to www.quebec.ca/en. |
| ● | Before applying, it is important to:
– report the situation to Gatineau by calling 311; and
– contact your insurer to check your coverage, if any.
|
| ● | This financial assistance program is a complementary recourse when damages are not covered by existing insurance. |
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“I am deeply grateful to the municipal crews, partners, volunteers and residents who have remained at the ready since the flooding started. Although the recent ORRPB forecasts are encouraging, we are nonetheless asking people to remain prudent, to keep their protection measures in place, and to keep following the situation over the coming days,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
Associated links
Ottawa River Current Conditions
Spring freshet
During the flooding
Owners of artesian and surface wells
Flooding or other disaster related financial support for property owners and tenants | Government of Quebec
