Flood update: with the weekend just ahead of us, the situation remains precarious

Gatineau, April 21, 2023. – Projections by the Commission de planification de la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais (CPRRO) remain unchanged since yesterday in regard to the first freshet peaking tonight, which in fact has been confirmed by Gatineau's indicators.

The current situation is still precarious, and levels are being closely watched due to the precipitations and warm weather forecast for the coming days. As the weekend approaches, Gatineau reminds residents to remain vigilant and keep preparing to ensure their safety and protect their properties.

Quick facts

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As water levels rise, Gatineau has closed rue Jacques-Cartier between rue Saint-Louis and rue Saint-Antoine. Additional streets may be closed over the coming hours and days. Gatineau urges the public to limit their movements in the areas at risk, and to be prudent, whether driving a car or a boat, being sure to slow down on roads that are under water.

●	Sandbags are being distributed to nine sites. For the list of these sites, go to gatineau.ca/crue.

●	The sites were chosen based on the buildings and properties at risk, not lands or other equipment. As well, the sites must be in a spot that is not in danger of flooding to avoid having to be relocated at a later date.

●	The parking lot of Église Sainte-Trinité is available for the use of shoreline property owners who cannot park in their driveway or on the street.

●	The interactive map shows street closures, sandbag distribution sites and parking lots in real time. Go to gatineau.ca/crue.

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A number of residents have volunteered to lend a hand to shoreline property owners who need help. Gatineau thanks them for their initiative and asks them to consult the following organizations: - Centre Action Bénévole Hull; - Centre d'Action Bénévole de Gatineau; - Centre d'action Bénévole Accès Aylmer; - Je Bénévole.

●	Gatineau will continue to keep the public informed as the situation changes. Residents are also invited to sign up for text and email alerts at gatineau.ca/crue.

●	Any resident who feels the need can call 811 at any time for psycho-social support. Info-Social 811 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service offered 24/7, 365 days a year.

Citations

“As the weekend approaches, I urge Gatineau residents to keep up their preparations to ensure their safety and protect their homes. The situation remains risky and could change rapidly for shoreline property owners. I ask everyone to keep vigilant and up to date with the latest developments posted at gatineau.ca/crue. Gatineau crews are monitoring the situation closely and are at the ready in the field,” indicated Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle.

“Water levels should stabilize from lac Coulonge to the Montréal area over the weekend. The expected rain could cause levels to rise in places starting Monday, depending on the amount of rainfall. Levels are expected to remain well below the historical flood levels in every sector along the main part of the Ottawa River,” noted the Commission de planification de la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais.

Associated links

Interactive Map

Centre Action Bénévole Hull

Centre d'Action Bénévole de Gatineau

Je Bénévole

Images

Interactive Map

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