City’s freshet task force switching focus to Ottawa River

WEST CARLETON – The City of Ottawa’s Freshet Task Force is adjusting its focus from the Ottawa area’s Mississippi and Madawaska watersheds to the big river as local conservation authorities issue a flood watch along the lower Ottawa River.

“The Freshet Task Force has been slowly shifting its focus from the smaller local waterways to the Ottawa River,” West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly released in a statement today (April 24).

Water levels and flows are gradually increasing at several locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River. Levels and flows will continue to increase over the next few days due to increased spring runoff and rain expected to start today (April 24). 

“Water levels and flows along our smaller waterways have generally declined to within expected seasonal norms,” Ottawa’s Emergency Planning and Response area manager Jim Lethbridge released in a statement today. “As a result, the risk of flooding along small waterways within the Ottawa area remains low at this time. That said, the Rideau River and small waterways may respond quickly to significant precipitation events requiring ongoing caution.”

Sandbag filling stations remain in place for residents to prepare for flooding if needed. Residents can contact 311 should there be a need to replenish supplies at any of the existing sandbag filling locations. https://www.ottawa.ca/en/flooding/river-flooding 

Sandbag stations in West Carleton include:

• 262 Len Purcell Drive
• 4127 John Shaw Road
• Lighthouse Lane at Logger’s Way
• Greenland Road dead end at Armitage Avenue
• Moorhead Drive water access

“The Freshet Task Force is expecting water levels and flows to increase over the coming days along local segments of the Ottawa River,” Lethbridge said. “We continue to monitor weather forecasts and water statements related to the Ottawa River and the Ottawa River catchment area. Minor flood levels may be exceeded in flood prone areas along the river between Lake Coulonge and Carillon starting Saturday, April 26.”

The minor flood level is defined as the level at which parts of some streets, lawns and parks are beginning to flood, with no or few houses/buildings being affected. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and to regularly monitor water statements, levels, and forecasts.”

Lethbridge says the taskforce continues to improve the city’s flood forecasting system. 

“Improvements to our riverine flood preparation information for residents are expected to be released as part of our end-of-week update,” Lethbridge said. “Please continue to keep children and pets away from creeks and waterways.”

Check the Basement and Overland Flooding page for safety and prevention measures. 

As a reminder, updated information on freshet operations, impacts, and resources can be found on Flooding | City of Ottawa. 

Stay up to date on the latest flood status at the MVCA website at the following link: https://mvc.on.ca/flood-status/

The ORRPB continues to provide four-day forecasts which can be found at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts.

Check water levels and current conditions by visiting the MVCA website at this link.