Sept. 26 tornado update

OTTAWA – The City of Ottawa would like to provide an update on the windstorm and tornado recovery efforts.

Volunteers

Thank you for the large community response to volunteer and help the residents affected by Friday’s tornado. If you want to help, you can go to the West Carleton Secondary School at 3086 Dunrobin Road to register as a volunteer or email emergencyvolunteers@ottawa.ca for more information.

Please avoid all affected areas as access is still limited. Crews need space to do recovery work.

If you want to make donations to help your fellow Ottawa residents in need, the Canadian Red Cross is working to coordinate emergency relief efforts and get help to people in affected areas as quickly as possible. Money raised will be used to respond to the immediate and/or emerging needs in and around the affected areas. You can make a financial donation to the Ottawa-Gatineau Tornado Appeal – Ottawa Area or the Ottawa-Gatineau Tornado Appeal – Gatineau Area:

• by calling 1-800-418-1111
• by contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of clothing, furniture and household items in anticipation of increased requests from residents affected by the windstorm and tornadoes. You can make donations in person at Salvation Army thrift stores. To arrange a donation pick-up for larger items, please call the toll-free donation line at 1-613-247-1435 ext. 228.

Community support centres

The City has activated community support centres that will operate daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Personnel will be on site to offer services and information for impacted residents at the following locations:

• Nepean Sportsplex – 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
  • Hydro Ottawa
  • Electrical Safety Authority
  • Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
  • Canadian Red Cross
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • Emergency Medical Assistance Team for psychosocial services
  • City of Ottawa
    • Forestry Services
    • Building Code Services
    • Ottawa Public Health
    • Revenue Services
    • ServiceOttawa (311)
• West Carleton Secondary School – 3086 Dunrobin Road
  • Hydro Ottawa
  • Electrical Safety Authority
  • Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
  • Canadian Red Cross
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • City of Ottawa
    • Forestry Services
    • Building Code Services
    • Ottawa Public Health
    • Revenue Services
    • ServiceOttawa (311)
• Greenboro Community Centre – 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive
  • Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada 
  • Canadian Red Cross
  • ServiceOttawa (3-1-1)

Scams

There have been reports of recovery companies misrepresenting themselves in tornado-affected areas. Speak with your insurance company about authorized work and be vigilant of these potential scams. If you are aware of any fraudulent behaviour, please report it with the Ottawa Police.

Tax deferral

The City of Ottawa may cancel, reduce or refund part of the property taxes levied on properties where the structure has been razed or damaged by Friday’s tornadoes and windstorm.

Residents must submit an application form by February 28, 2019:

• By mail:

City of Ottawa Revenue Services c/o Tax Adjustments Section

100 Constellation Drive, 4th Floor East

Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8

• By fax: 613-580-2457
• By email: taxadjustments@ottawa.ca

Residents will have to provide details about the damage and repairs, including pictures and insurance reports. 

For more information, please contact Revenue Services at 613-580-2444.