In a press conference on Monday, the mayor of Gatineau, France Bélisle, informed the population that the situation had changed quickly.
We received a large amount of rain, exceeding the original forecast, with a [problème] drain, she explained.
Heading into the weekend, officials expected water levels to peak later this week. However, this peak will be reached earlier than expected.
“Friday we thought we would see a climax on Wednesday and finally we will see that climax tonight. »
— A quote from France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau
At the time of writing, parts of rue Jacques-Cartier and rue Saint-Louis, which had been severely affected by flooding in previous years, were already partially submerged.
The Ottawa River is overflowing.
Photo: Radio Canada / Laurie Trudel
Expect a second higher peak over the next few days and then a stabilization phase that should last several days, she continued.
We are forecasting warmer weather and sunshine for seven to 10 days, which should help stabilize the situation, the mayor added. Environment Canada is forecasting a return of the sun later in the week.
Without being able to give an exact number, she stated that about 250 houses and 1,000 lots were affected.
Part of Saint-Louis Street is flooded as the rain continues to fall.
Photo: Radio Canada / Laurie Trudel
On Monday afternoon, many citizens mobilized to set up sandbags. Ville de Gatineau is giving away more than 47,000 free bags at various locations.
On Monday, local residents gathered to plant sandbags to protect their homes.
Photo: Radio Canada / Laurie Trudel
Others are in reserve in case of major flooding.
In addition, the municipality of Fort-Coulonge announced in a press release that it is implementing its emergency response plan. Due to the high water level, this causes major problems with the sewage system, which requires increased monitoring, it is read.
On its website, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board warns that water levels could rise above last week’s peak levels along the Ottawa River as additional runoff is created by that rainfall.
The management of these main reservoirs is done in a way that reduces the volume of water in the downstream sectors, explains the Commission.
Local residents are preparing their homes on the Quebec side of Lac Deschênes and surrounding them with sandbags.
Photo: Radio Canada / Laurie Trudel
places to watch
Over the weekend, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement regarding rain in Ottawa, Gatineau and Eastern Ontario.
In its latest update Sunday afternoon, the federal agency detailed the trend in conditions on the Ottawa River.
Minor flooding is expected in flood prone areas in the Ottawa to Gatineau section and into the Montreal area.
Levels are projected to remain below historical flood levels in all areas along the main body of the Ottawa River.
Flow conditions trend
- Lac Coulonge: Water levels that are already above the major flood threshold could continue to rise in the coming days.
- Lac des Chats and Lac Deschênes: Levels are expected to exceed major flood thresholds over the next week.
- Mattawa, Ontario: The small flood threshold was reached Monday and will continue to rise.
- Pembroke, Ontario: The minor flooding threshold has been reached and could result in major flooding in the coming days.
Source: Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board