Water Levels Along Ottawa River Expected to Rise

From Arnprior to Hawkesbury, residents near the Ottawa River should keep an eye on water levels as experts caution that flooding could occur.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued a new flood warning on April 20, noting that water levels and flows have risen following several days of rain and rapid snowmelt.

Major flood levels – which can affect buildings and streets – went beyond the banks over the weekend between Arnprior and Britannia. The warning indicates that levels are likely to continue rising over the next day.

“Water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River,” the statement reads.

Minor flood levels were observed from Britannia to Hawkesbury over the weekend, meaning that while streets and lawns were affected, buildings were not. However, officials anticipate major flood levels in this stretch of river in the coming days.

Several areas in the capital are likely to experience effects as water levels along the Ottawa River are projected to peak late Monday evening or Tuesday.

Constance Bay

The warning indicates that current water levels are at a 10-year flood event level and may rise by 10 cm from Monday to Tuesday. People should expect flooding in low-lying spots, but roadways should remain unaffected.

Grandview to Britannia 

Levels are predicted to increase by 15 cm, leading to flooding in backyards and parkland. The conservation authority states that most impacts will be yard-level, with minimal effects anticipated for buildings or roads.

Petrie Island to Cumberland 

This section of the river is expected to face significant impacts as water levels could rise by 15 to 20 cm. There may be water on roads and inside buildings, according to the warning.

City of Clarence-Rockland to Hawkesbury

Residents are advised to use sandbags and clear debris from downspouts since water levels are expected to rise another 10 to 15 cm. Low-lying areas and properties will be affected by this increasing water level.

Gatineau Flooding Already Underway

At its peak, Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette mentioned in an interview Monday that river heights could be about 30 centimeters higher than they were late last week. Emergency teams have been sent out for monitoring conditions and assisting residents; she noted that around 165 homes risk flooding while 41 streets have been closed off.

A storm surge warning is also active in Quebec City as elevated water levels along the St. Lawrence River are anticipated during high tide.

”The good news is that we don’t have a major system on the way,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Guillaume Perron when discussing rainfall forecasts for Quebec and Ontario.

In Gatineau, Marquis-Bissonnette stated they’re using hydrometric stations, field data, and aerial surveillance for tracking river conditions while teams conduct door-to-door outreach in vulnerable neighborhoods. She compared this situation with spring floods from 2023 as a recent point of reference for severity.

People help push a car out of floodwaters on Rue Saint-Louis in Gatineau, Que., on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Justin Tang/ via AP)

Marquis-Bissonnette expects peak conditions either Monday night or Tuesday; after this point, things might stabilize based on upcoming weather changes.

Environment Canada reports cooler temperatures across Quebec alongside limited rainfall forecasted soon should relieve some pressure on local river systems. Recent floods resulted from both heavy rainfalls combined with quick snowmelt events according to Perron’s insights.

“The peak is essentially now or very soon,” Perron explained while mentioning gradual declines once inflows lessen.

Bearing this mind though-there’s still snow remaining at higher elevations northward throughout parts such as Laurentians or Mauricie said Perron emphasizing attention needs focusing there when it melts away too since it contains approximately forty-fifty centimeters left behind.”

The Premier of Quebec Christine Fréchette remarked during a press conference held last Sunday at St-Eustache nearby Montreal suggesting occurrences like these due changing climates occurring more frequently within their province lately amid ongoing discussions surrounding climate change implications overall.”

This report by was first April 20, 2026.

-with files from Eli Ridder in Fredericton and Rianna Lim in Toronto

A Canada goose swims past submerged benches as the Ottawa River floods at Britannia Beach in Ottawa, on Monday, April 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

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