Sandbag removal next step for WC’s riverside community

WEST CARLETON – With officials confident the Ottawa River flood threat is behind us, city staff and residents’ next steps involve the clean up of sandbags.

“The water is receding,” West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) released in a statement yesterday (May 14). “Levels have dropped considerably and the four-day forecast is looking encouraging. Yesterday’s (May 13) rain put a temporary pause on that decline, but we are not seeing increases in the days ahead. We’re not declaring victory, we rarely do until the river earns it, but this is good news.”

Lake Deschenes at Britannia is currently measured at 59.50 metres according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB). It’s expected to remain at that level until Sunday (May 17).

“To everyone who has shown up for this community over the past weeks, thank you,” the WCDR said. “Whether you filled sandbags; loaned a pump; checked on a neighbour; or simply shared our posts to get the word out, it mattered. Things have moved as well as they have because of you.”

Next up, is dealing with sandbags. City of Ottawa staff have released its sandbag pick-up dates and they include Sandbag Wednesday, May 20, Sunday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 27.

Place your bags at the curbside right-of-way — not blocking fire hydrants, catch basins, or driveways. Use hard surfaces like gravel shoulders where possible. City staff will be using heavy equipment to remove sandbags.

“To avoid any damage from the heavy equipment, do not put your bags right on your driveway or your lawn,” city staff released in a statement yesterday (May 14).

A sandbag is considered used if it came into contact with floodwater.

“That sand is contaminated,” staff said. “Please do not empty it onto your property, beach, or anywhere near play areas or sandboxes.”

If you have both used and unused bags, make two separate stacks and mark them clearly with cardboard signs. The city will attempt to recover unused bags for future flood events.

Bags at Len Purcell, Leo Lane, Moorhead and other community staging locations will begin moving as early as today (May 15), with most of the work expected by Tuesday, May 20.

Flood-related debris goes out on your regular garbage and recycling collection days. Sort it appropriately into household waste, organics, and leaf and yard waste.

The city’s three-item limit remains in place. If you have more than three items, Yellow Bags are available at participating retailers including Home Hardware. You can also bring debris directly to the Trail Waste Facility Landfill at 4475 Trail Rd.

For household hazardous waste, paints, chemicals and similar items, use the city’s Waste Explorer tool to find the right drop-off location, or check the household hazardous waste drop-off event schedule at ottawa.ca.

“We’ll keep watching the river and keeping you informed,” the WCDR said. “As always, if you need assistance or aren’t sure what to do with something, reach out.”

You can contact WCDR by phone at 613-447-4446 or email at flood@westcarletonrelief.ca. WCDR accepts donations at ottawaflood.ca.

“The West Carleton community never fails to show up for itself,” WCDR volunteers said. “Thank you for proving that again.”