Update, April 7 – 10:40 a.m. – Freezing rain

Gatineau, April 7, 2023. – Close to 25,000 households are still without power at this time. Gatineau is in close communication with Hydro-Québec as it tracks the progress of the outages and restorations. Crews remain on the job pruning trees and clearing away branches. They are also fixing traffic lights that had been reduced to flashing lights. In addition, some new points of service have been set up for residents throughout the territory.

Gatineau will be providing updates through its social media and its website at gatineau.ca/verglas2023.

Quick facts

Where can you go?

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Residents can charge their devices and fill up water containers at the following points of service today, April 7: - the Donalda-Charron library, open until 10 p.m. (Hull sector); - the Guy-Sanche library, open until 6 p.m. (Gatineau sector); - the Centre communautaire et culturel de Buckingham, open until 10 p.m. - the Lucy-Faris library (Aylmer sector), usual hours; - the Aurélien-Doucet library (Hull sector), usual hours; - the Jean-Marie-Carron library (Masson-Angers sector), usual hours.

●	The Salvation Army has set up a canteen at the Centre communautaire et culturel de Buckingham. Free food and refreshments are being served until 5:30 p.m. Residents can also charge their devices.

●	Residents can take a shower at the following locations: - Centre sportif de Gatineau, until 10 p.m.; - Maison du citoyen, until 10 p.m.; - Paul-Pelletier aquatic centre, until 9 p.m.

●	The STO is accommodating residents trying to get to the different municipal points of service. For details, go to bit.ly/4158V6m

Safety tips

●	Never run a combustion appliance (heater, motor, chainsaw, generator, etc.) indoors, even in a ventilated area.

●	It is important to follow your generator manufacturer's instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. To that end, it is recommended that you install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

●	To ensure efficient and safe operation of natural gas appliances, be sure to clear air intakes and exhausts, as well as meters.

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If your power is out for more than six hours, some food may have to be discarded once your power is back. For the full list of foods that can be kept and those that should be discarded, check the Government of Quebec website at: Quels aliments jeter après une panne de courant ou une inondation | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

Quote

“The situation is steadily improving, but Hydro-Québec still has some work to do before power is restored in all sectors. I am counting on residents for their cooperation. To avoid interfering with their work, please do not park on the street while Hydro-Québec crews are there. I would also like to remind the public that it is important to exercise caution when traveling due to the weakened branches that may fall with the gusty winds we are experiencing today. Also, please be sure to report any issues to the 311 non-emergency call centre so our crews are informed and can respond swiftly,” stated Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle.

Images

Associated links

Freezing rain

Flooding and spring freshet

Centre sportif

Bibliothèque

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