Gatineau, April 22, 2026. – Gatineau is actively pursuing its flood-related monitoring and interventions on the ground. According to the latest forecasts announced by the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) late yesterday, water levels and flows are stabilizing, which is encouraging. The peak level, 15 cm down from previous forecasts, should be reached sometime today.
The public's collaboration and vigilance remain essential under the circumstances. It is particularly important that dykes and protection measures be maintained even if the situation appears to be stabilizing because things could change quickly. This will help limit the impact and preserve the progress made over the past few days.
Latest data
| ● | Based on the latest ORRPB data, Gatineau can report that approximately 190 buildings could be flooded. Moreover, 296 buildings risk being isolated, with an approximate total of 486 buildings being affected by flooding. |
| ● | In addition, 46 roads are currently affected by rising waters, including 13 that are now only accessible by water craft. Those roads are identified on the interactive map at gatineau.ca/flood. |
| ● | To date:
– twelve people have voluntarily evacuated their homes; and
– some 57 households have registered as affected, including 109 people who have received services from the Red Cross.
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Modifications to the interactive map
| ● | Given the recent addition of roads where only rescues by water craft are possible, the legend of the interactive map at gatineau.ca/flood has been updated. |
| ● | The following are the colour codes for the roads:
– Green: road being monitored (water on the pavement);
– Purple: road closed to traffic (no water on the pavement);
– Yellow: road where only local traffic is permitted;
– Red: road closed to traffic (closed to all but emergency vehicles); and
– Black: road closed to traffic (closed to all but emergency services by water craft).
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Voluntary and preventive evacuation
| ● | Anyone wishing to evacuate their home because of the current situation can do so at any time. Municipal staff are on hand to assist them.
– Residents must call the 311 non-emergency call centre to indicate that they would like to evacuate their home.
– Once the necessary information has been compiled and confirmation has been received, those residents will be looked after by Service de sécurité incendie de Gatineau (SSIG) staff.
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| ● | This type of intervention is limited to evacuations. This is not a shuttle service. Once residents have been evacuated, they will not be taken back to their homes. |
| ● | SSIG representatives are using trucks and/or water craft to notify residents in their homes. They are being informed of this option and offering to evacuate them from their homes as a preventive measure on a voluntary basis. |
| ● | Evacuation is not an obligation. It is voluntary unless there is an imminent threat to the person's safety. |
Services to flood victims
| ● | Flood victims requiring emergency housing and food services should report to the Centre sportif reception desk (850 boulevard de la Gappe, Gatineau sector) to connect with the Red Cross.
– Proof of residence will be required.
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| ● | For pets:
– if possible, pets should be boarded with family or friends; and
– if not possible, they will be cared for by the SPCA de l'Outaouais under a partnership agreement.
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| ● | Other flood victims (who do not require assistance from the Red Cross) will be asked to report to Gatineau, which will be able to assist them. To that end, they can either:
– call 311; or
– report to the Centre sportif reception desk.
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| ● | There are several benefits to registering as a flood victim:
– proof of flooding for your insurance company;
– wellness checks; and
– information about the government's flooding or other disaster related financial support program.
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Reminders
| ● | The interactive map shows road closures, parking for isolated residences, and trash containers at gatineau.ca/flood.
– Containers will be added today to meet the needs of residents in the Gatineau sector.
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| ● | Water from wells in flooded sectors should be treated as non potable.
– Anyone affected should get drinking water from an alternative source (for example from a neighbour who is not affected, from a distribution network or bottled water) or boil their water for one minute before consuming or using it for cooking.
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| ● | Important! Worrisome situations should be reported to the 311 non-emergency call centre. If personal or property security is threatened, call 911. |
Quote
“Although water levels appear to be stabilizing, municipal crews are continuing to keep a close eye on the territory. Levels are still high, and we are still vulnerable: keep the dykes in place to protect your homes. I would also remind you of the importance of not driving through the flooded areas. Crews are continuing to assist residents and to respond quickly to needs on the ground,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
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