Public safety director suggests keeping flood measures in place
Special to WC Online
WEST CARLETON – Earlier this week (May 4), the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) removed the flood warning for the lower Ottawa River, but the City of Ottawa’s Public Safety Service director recommends residents should leave flood mitigation measures in place for now.
“Conditions along the Ottawa River continue to improve, with water levels gradually declining across all monitored areas,” Emergency and Protective Services director Beth Gooding released in a statement today (May 7). “At this time, no significant rainfall is forecast over the next seven days, and local weather conditions are not expected to worsen flooding impacts.”
Today, measurements at Lake Deschenes at Britannia measured at 59.80 metres and is expected to drop 10 centimetres to 59.70 m by Sunday (May 10) according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB).
“Despite these positive trends, some uncertainty remains regarding upstream conditions, including the timing and rate of snowmelt in northern parts of the watershed,” Gooding said. “As a precaution, the city remains in enhanced operations, and the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) continues to coordinate response activities; monitor conditions with external partners; and support recovery planning in affected communities.”
Close to 140 homes in the city’s flood-prone areas have sandbags in place, the vast majority of which are in West Carleton.
“Residents in affected areas are encouraged to keep flood protection measures in place until there is greater certainty that water levels will continue to recede without a secondary rise,” Gooding said. “The city has started planning for debris removal, which can be a significant undertaking following flood events. More than 50,000 sandbags are currently deployed on private property. Areas affected by flooding will also require targeted clean-up, including some roads and multi-use paths. The city will continue to provide updates on ottawa.ca. Staff remain engaged with impacted residents and partner agencies to support response and early recovery efforts.”
City staff continue to ask boaters to stay off the Ottawa River at this time.
“Boating close to shore may cause wakes which contribute to additional damage to homes and flood barriers,” city staff said. “In addition to protecting residents impacted by flooding, there is currently an added hazard to boat operators. Rivers have additional floating debris, partially submerged debris, and fast-moving waters. These hazards can place boat operators at risk and could result in emergency deployment of water rescue.”
