City of Gatineau warning of flooding risk in Aylmer

Flood waters breach the Gatineau River in this 2017 photo. Officials are asking residents to prepare for some flooding along the Gatineau River in May 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The City of Gatineau is asking residents of the Aylmer sector to prepare for possible flooding in response to rising water levels on the Ottawa River.

In a news release in French on Saturday, the city said some streets in the sector could be flooded at the beginning of next week, particularly in low-lying areas. The city is closely monitoring water levels around Chemin Fraser and Rue Lamoureux along the shore of the river.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s (ORRPB) forecast shows water levels on the river will cause only minor flooding at this time. Water levels are currently expected to reach a lower flood threshold than last year.

“While the City’s forecasts were optimistic last week, the situation has evolved rapidly due to the combination of warmer temperatures and precipitation over the past few days, as well as those forecast over the weekend,” the City of Gatineau said.

“Municipal teams are mobilized and are monitoring the entire Gatineau territory.”

Road closures and diversions will be in effect starting on Sunday if necessary.

Various flooding advisories are in effect across the lower Ottawa River with spring snowmelt and rainfall raising water levels across the region. Environment Canada’s forecast shows Ottawa can expect between 10 to 15 mm of rain today and through this evening.

Some parts of the Ottawa Valley, including Pembroke, could receive amounts as high as 20 mm.

Flood warning in effect for Pembroke area

The Ministry of Natural Resources issued a flood warning for the Pembroke area that extends to Britannia Beach in Ottawa. A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or already occurring.

Residents along the main stem of the river for the area of Lake Coulonge and downstream from Arnprior (Chats Lake and Lake Deschenes) are most at risk, the ministry said Thursday.

Residents are being asked to consider precautions to secure valuable property near lakes and rivers and to remain cautious near waterways. Minor flood levels will likely be exceeded starting Saturday with major flood levels, which can impact homes and neighbourhoods, being possible in some areas next week.

“Flooding in low-lying areas is expected, and those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to continue. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended,” the ministry says.

Flood watches were also issued by the planning board for areas between Arnprior and Hawkesbury, with minor flooding possible starting early next week.

Levels are expected to peak starting Tuesday or Wednesday between Lake Coulonge and Lake Deschenes, and starting Thursday or Friday from Gatineau down to the Montreal Region.

The planning board’s water levels remain about normal for this time of year between Pembroke and Hawkesbury. Higher than normal levels are being recorded north of Deep River and in Mattawa.