Flood update: as water levels rise, shoreline property owners should remain vigilant

Gatineau, May 1^st, 2023. – According to the latest updates from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB), the large amount of rainfall has surpassed last week's projections. The rapid increase in water levels should stabilize over the next few hours, and will rise gradually before peaking near the end of the week. However, levels will remain high for several days, albeit below the historical levels of 2017 and 2019. It should be noted that the second freshet has officially begun, and should start to slowly abate by next week.

Gatineau estimates that just over 1,000 properties will be affected by water and some 250 buildings are at risk of flooding. Shoreline property owners who were visited by Gatineau fire safety officials are essentially the same ones whose properties will be affected, and should remain vigilant.

Quick facts

●	When in doubt, Gatineau urges shoreline property owners to call 311 to check whether their home could be hit by flooding. They can also consult the online interactive map at gatineau.ca/crue.

●	By the end of the day, the ORRPB will have completed its simulations and will be able to fine-tune its projections.

●	Traffic may be restricted on certain streets. For additional information, consult the interactive map at gatineau.ca/crue.

●	Gatineau would like to remind residents that the purpose of laying rockfill is not to keep the roads dry but rather to ensure that emergency vehicles and residents can get through.

●	Gatineau reminds shoreline property owners to keep the protections they have installed in place and to remain vigilant.

●	Gatineau will continue to update residents as the situation evolves. Residents are asked to sign up for text and e-mail alerts at gatineau.ca/crue.

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