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Water levels expected to rise in the Ottawa River: Gatineau asking shoreline property owners to prepare
Gatineau, April 16, 2026.– For the past few weeks, Gatineau has been monitoring water levels in the rivers and adapting its measures based on the changing situation. Over the past few days, we have seen a combination of warmer temperatures and rainfall. The weather forecast for the weekend indicates this trend will continue. The latest forecasts by the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) indicate minor flooding will be exceeded today in certain flood-prone sectors along the Ottawa River. Those forecasts are highly uncertain at this time. Thus, it is not possible to exclude the possibility of exceedance of major flood levels in some places over the coming week.
Quick facts
| ● | Based on this latest information, some roads along the Ottawa River may be flooded over the coming days. Municipal crews are at the ready and monitoring the entire Gatineau territory to adapt interventions accordingly. |
| ● | The following roads are being closely monitored:
– In the Aylmer sector: chemin Fraser, rue Dorion and rue Lamoureux;
– In the Hull sector: promenade du Lac-Leamy;
– In the Gatineau sector: boulevard Hurtubise, rue Adélard, rue Blais, rue Corriveau, rue des Montgolfières, rue du Prince-Albert, rue Ernest-Charron, rue Jacques-Cartier, rue Oscar, rue René, rue Riviera, rue Saint-François-Xavier and rue Saint-Louis;
– In the Masson-Angers sector: chemin de la Rive, chemin du Fer-à-Cheval, rue Gabriel-Constantineau, and rue Victor-Charlebois. |
| ● | As a preventive measure, Gatineau will control access to those roads or close them, depending on how the situation evolves. |
| ● | Service de sécurité incendie de Gatineau (SSIG) representatives will be going door-to-door today to touch base with the residents concerned. They will offer support, answer questions and make sure everyone is well informed. |
| ● | Property owners along the Ottawa River are encouraged to follow ORRPB forecasts over the coming days. Gatineau will notify the public as the situation changes. |
Distribution of sandbags | ● | More than 45,000 full sandbags are ready and available. This reserve is part of Gatineau's preparations for the spring freshet. |
| ● | Residents can pick up sandbags today at the following locations:
– Parc Louis-Roy (5 rue Louis-Roy, Aylmer sector) starting at 11 a.m.
– Parc du Lac-Beauchamp (745 boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau sector) starting at 4 p.m.
– Parc Jack-Eyamie (40 rue du Bassin, Gatineau, Masson sector) starting at 4 p.m. |
| ● | Given how the situation is changing, there may be adjustments based on requirements on the ground. Gatineau will notify the public. |
| ● | The public is asked to cooperate regarding the use of sandbags. They should collect them gradually to ensure that everyone gets some. That way, everyone can start building their dykes. |
Other steps residents can take | ● | Gatineau reminds everyone that emergency measures are everybody's business and require teamwork. Residents have an important part to play. They are expected to take the necessary steps to ensure their own safety and protect their home. |
| ● | Residents are also asked to sign up for text and email notifications at gatineau.ca/crue. |
| ● | Residents who feel the need may at any time call 811 for psycho-social support.
– Info-Social 811, option 2 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |
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“The situation is changing quickly, but you can rest assured we are monitoring water levels carefully. Gatineau has all the necessary expertise to deal with this type of situation: our municipal crews are at the ready and hard at work throughout the territory. As a precaution, shoreline property owners are asked to prepare and stay tuned for communications from Gatineau to remain informed about developments,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
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Associated links
Ottawa River Current Conditions Spring freshet and flooding Prepare Emergency kits Stay tuned
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