The Ottawa River has reached minor flooding levels in Pembroke, Ont., according to city officials, while the board responsible for managing the river’s reservoirs isn’t dismissing the chance of major flooding occurring next week between Arnprior and Cumberland.
Minor flooding means some streets, lawns, and parks may be underwater, with only a few buildings affected. Major flooding indicates that many streets and buildings could be impacted.
The Ottawa River experienced major flood levels in 2017, 2019, and again in 2023.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board reported that water levels are rising quickly due to this week’s rain and snowmelt from areas much further north.
<p Those levels are predicted to continue slowly increasing over the next few days in the Pembroke area, as stated by the city on Thursday.
By Sunday, local rainfall is expected to total up to 30 millimetres, according to the city’s announcement.
As of the planning board’s updates on Thursday afternoon from various monitoring stations along the river:
The Pembroke area was just under 113 metres above sea level and is likely to stay near that level until Sunday. This would be approximately 30 centimetres below the record high for this date. The Fort-Coulonge area was now at around 108 metres – a record high for today by about 20 centimetres – and is anticipated to remain above all-time highs over the coming days. The river could reach 108.35 metres by Sunday, setting a new record for that date by more than half a metre. The Arnprior area was around 75 metres and is projected to hit 75.5 on Sunday, about 40 centimetres below that date’s record high. The Britannia area was around 59.55 metres and should surpass 60 on Sunday, just a few centimetres below its record high for this date. The Hull area was around 43.5 metres and is expected to rise to 44.25 on Sunday, nearly 20 centimetres above its record high for this date. The Thurso area measured around 42.4 metres and is forecasted to reach 42.85 on Saturday, about six centimetres below its historical high.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority warned Thursday morning that significant flooding could occur between Arnprior and Britannia over the weekend as well as downstream from Britannia starting Monday.
It urges residents in flood-prone areas to check their sump pumps, generators, downspouts, and culverts while also considering securing any items that might float away if flooded.
WATCH | Some of the scenes on Wednesday:
Residents preparing as flood warning issued on Ottawa River between Pembroke and Arnprior
Kevin Ward lives in Mansfield-et-Pontefract on Quebec’s side of the Ottawa River. He mentioned he’s taking precautions for his property as water levels rise nearby.
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Other waterways
Further south, Cataraqui Conservation has also extended its existing safety advisory. It’s cautioning people around dams and fast-moving waterways; they should heed warning signs and avoid booms, buoys, or barriers. While some low-lying regions are seeing floods locally, widespread flooding isn’t expected across the area according to authorities. Quebec’s flood information map shows minor flooding in Ripon from Petite Nation River; it’s also keeping an eye on Rouge River near rue Walker bridge alongside concerns regarding Ottawa River. Apart from Ottawa River issues, there are water safety alerts plus flood watches issued across six conservation authorities in eastern Ontario’s southern regions. The highest alert level corresponds with a flood warning status.</pp The region can expect about another 15 millimetres of rain Thursday based on Environment Canada forecasts.</pp<Kevin Ward measures water levels near his home along Ottawa River in Mansfield-et-Pontefract,, Que., April15 ,2026.(Félix Desroches/Radio-Canada)Sandbags Available
Pembroke residents can reach out to their city’s operations department at613 -735 -6821 if they need sandbags accordingto themunicipalityCurrently , Ottawa provides sandbags at14 locations while advising residents take necessary steps against potential floods.”I thinkthe city takes it very seriously,” said Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill whose ward covers Jock River.”I mean , they’re monitoring threats regularlyandare preparedfor escalation.”Meanwhile , Cityof Gatineau offeredan updateonitsflood preparations Thursdaymorning.They statedthey’ re carefullymonitoringabout20roadsneartheriver particularlyin Aylmer, Hull, Gatineau, and Masson-Angers sectors ; these roads may be partially or fully closed dependingonthe situation.Firefighters willgo door-to-doorin thoseareas Thursdayto offer supportandanswerquestionsaccordingtothecity.Sandbagswillbeavailableinparksat5rue Louis-Royin Aylmerstartingat11a. m. and at745boulevard Maloney Estinthegatuenausectorstartingat4 p. m.</pw<sandbagshavebeenmadeavailablefor Gatineau Que. residentsinthewestern Aylmersectoron Thursday.(Nathan Fung/CBC) Renfrew Countyand Arnpriorare referringresidentsto Ministryof Natural Resourcesfloodwarningearlierthisweek. Clarence-Rocklandand Prescott-Russellcountiesaskpeoplefollowupdatesfrom South Nation Conservation. < p Numerous communitiescoveredby Cataraqui Conservationoffering sandbagsuppliesforpickup. Mansfield-et-Pontefract inthe Fort-Coulongearea makessandbags availableat32chemin de Lacdela Truite.Source link
