The City of Gatineau says nearly 120 buildings could be affected by flooding this weekend, as levels on the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers surge. The city says it has observed water levels rising 11 to 14 centimetres on the Ottawa River and 7 to 8 cm on the Gatineau River. Officials say the water level could reach the first peak seen in the 2023 flooding season as early as Sunday. “The City estimates that approximately 33 streets and 119 buildings will potentially be affected by flooding, based on current forecasts,” the city said in a news release, translated from French. A flood watch is in effect for the Ottawa River from Arnprior to Hawkesbury, with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority saying minor flooding levels could be reached this weekend with major flooding possible by Monday. A flood warning remains in effect along the river from Pembroke to Arnprior. A special weather statement is in effect for Gatineau warning of additional rainfall this weekend. According to Environment Canada, the Ottawa area has seen more than 83 mm of rain so far this month, nearly 62 of which fell in the last seven days. “We are keeping a close eye on the entire territory and adjusting our interventions as the situation changes. All necessary resources are at the ready, prepared to respond quickly to any eventuality, in collaboration with our partners, to guarantee the public’s safety at all times,” said Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette in Friday’s news release. The following streets in Gatineau are considered to be at risk of flooding: Aylmer sector: Hull sector: Gatineau sector: Masson-Angers sector: In addition, some bike paths could experience flooding in the coming days. The city says the public should avoid travelling in high-risk areas unless absolutely necessary. Sandbags are available at the following locations: An interactive map of road closures and other information is available on the city’s website. The City of Gatineau says firefighters will continue door-to-door rounds on Friday to answer questions and offer support to residents. Pontiac region Further north along the Ottawa River in the Pontiac, residents are seeing the effects of recent rainfall, but city officials say the region is expected to remain largely stable in the coming days. Jason Rockburn says he has a small amount of flooding in his basement due to rainfall and snowmelt. “Every year we do have water down here, but not to this extent. It’s rising much faster than usual,” says Rockburn. “Normally, it sticks to the one side, but this year, like I said, it’s coming in so fast.” The area often sees seasonal flooding and Rockburn says he continues to stay on top of it. “All the rain that we’ve had in the past week, and because of the snow melting pretty quick, the water up north is still coming down. So there’s more to expect,” he explains. The mayor of Pontiac Roger Larose says there are no road closures associated with flooding, and while officials continue to monitor the situation he says so far the region is doing well. “We just keep an eye on everybody,” he says “Like every association, they got a guy in charge they don’t want you can contact us anytime they need it, and in the meantime, my inspectors goes around and check things up.” The municipality is providing sandbags to residents who need them, including at City Hall on Route 148. With files from CTV’s Kimberley Johnson.
