Freezing rain – Status update

Gatineau, April 6, 2023. – Since the onset of precipitations on April 5, Gatineau has recorded close to 30 mm of freezing rain, hail and rain. The accumulated freezing rain on overhead wires has caused several power outages since yesterday afternoon throughout the territory. Gatineau is in close communication with Hydro-Québec as it tracks the progress of the outages and restorations. Crews are on the job, and municipal services are being maintained with the exception of the few sites that have been shut down due to lack of hydro power.

Quick facts

Municipal points of service

●	Residents can shower, recharge their devices and fill up water containers at the centre sportif de Gatineau. The centre is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 6.

●	In addition, the following 3 libraries are open according to their regular schedule : - Donalda-Charron, - Maison du citoyen; - Guy-Sanche.

●	However, due to the power outages, the following libraries are closed: - Lucy-Faris; - Aurélien-Doucet; - Lucien-Lalonde; - Riviera; - Jean-Marie-Caron; - Docteur-Jean-Lorrain; - Manise-Morin; - Bernard-Lonergan.

●	The following service centres and aquatic centres are also closed: - Aylmer service centre; - Buckingham service centre; - Masson-Angers service centre; - Paul-Pelletier aquatic centre; - Lucien-Houle aquatic centre.

●	If the power outage continues, Gatineau invites affected residents to reach out to friends or family for temporary shelter.

●	Gatineau will provide updates on its social media and website.

Current status – freezing rain

●	Our crews are spreading abrasives on streets and sidewalks throughout Gatineau.

●	More than 100 requests concerning broken branches have been received at the 311 non-emergency call centre. A crew of tree pruning professionals is currently at work, responding to those requests throughout the day.

●	A number of traffic lights were out or flashing this morning. Gatineau reminds residents to come to a full stop at intersections and be prudent.

Safety tips

●	To ensure efficient and safe operation of natural gas appliances, be sure to clear air intakes and exhausts, as well as meters. If your meter is coated in ice, contact your natural gas provider's customer service as soon as possible.

●	Never run a combustion appliance (heater, motor, chainsaw, generator, etc.) indoors, even in a ventilated area. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. To that end, it is recommended that you install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

●	Contact any vulnerable people you know to check whether they are alright.

●	If you use a vehicle, make sure it contains an emergency kit.

●	At this point, river water levels are normal. Residents are invited to consult gatineau.ca/crue for tips on preparations and the latest updates on water levels.

●	Any issues should be reported to the non-emergency call centre (311).

Citation

“Our crews are hard at work in the field, responding to requests in a timely manner. We ask Gatineau residents to report any issues through 311. Given that residents have been without power for several hours, I invite all affected residents to reach out to friends or family for temporary shelter and to check whether they are alright. I would like to stress the importance of at all times having an emergency kit with essential items for every family member. In situations such as we are currently facing, this kit should meet your needs for at least 72 hours,” stated Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle.

Associated links

Freezing rain

Flooding and spring freshet

Centre sportif

Library

– 30 –