Nearly 500 buildings affected by flood waters in Gatineau, Que. as Ottawa River levels begin to stabilize

While water levels may have peaked in Gatineau, residents are still on high-alert and dealing with damaged properties. CTV’s Austin Lee reports.

Water levels have started to stabilize along the Ottawa River through the national capital region, with flood waters expected to begin to recede this week.

Dozens of properties and roads along the Ottawa River in Ottawa and Gatineau have been submerged in water due to heavy rainfall in April and the spring melt.

A flood warning remains in effect along the Ottawa River from Pembroke to Hawkesbury.

According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, water levels increased one centimetre on Wednesday at Britannia and five centimetres along the Ottawa River at Hull.

The planning board says water levels should be stable at Britannia over the next three days, while water levels will begin to recede at Hull by five centimetres on Thursday and another five centimetres on Friday.

“Water levels and flows are stabilizing between Lake Coulonge and Lake Deschenes as spring runoff from the central unregulated portion of the basin is slowly starting to decrease and northern reservoirs continue to retain runoff from those regions,” the planning board said.

“Between Gatineau-Hull and Carillon, water levels and flows are expected to start stabilizing later (Tuesday).”

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board said the rate of decline in water levels between Britannia and Carillion will depend on the weather, but water levels could rise again later this spring between Pembroke and Britannia.

“Risk of further increase in levels in late April and early May is higher from Mattawa to Lake Coulonge given the high snowpack remaining in the northern part of the basin,” the board said.

Gatineau

Approximately 500 buildings are at risk of being affected by flooding along the Ottawa River and Gatineau River in Gatineau.

In an update on Wednesday, the city said about 190 buildings “will potentially be flooded,” while 296 buildings are “at risk of being isolated” by rising water levels.

Twelve people have voluntarily evacuated their homes due to flooding in Gatineau, according to the city. TVA Gatineau reported on Tuesday that some residents had voluntarily evacuated their homes due to rising water levels.

Forty-six streets are currently affected by rising water along the Ottawa River and Gatineau River, with 13 roads only accessible by water.

“According to the most recent forecast announced by the Ottawa River Regulation Board (ORRB) late yesterday, water levels and outflows are now trending to stabilize, which is encouraging,” the city said in a media release.

“The peak of the water levels, 15 cm lower than the previous forecast, should be reached during the day.”

The City of Gatineau has opened a reception desk at the Centre Sportif at 850 de la Gappe Boulevard for people to meet with the Red Cross.

“Even if water levels seem to be stabilizing, municipal teams are maintaining a constant watch throughout the territory,” Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, mayor of Gatineau, said in a French statement.

“Levels remain high, we remain vulnerable: keep the dikes to protect your homes. I would also like to remind you that it is important to avoid driving in flooded areas.”

Andrea Morin, a Gatineau resident, says she’s had more than enough of flooding.

“I’m not going to stay. It’s my last flood. I’m moving out in a couple of months, so that’s it for me,” Morin said. “It’s just... it’s a lot.”

Marcel Barbier, is also a flooding veteran, having experienced flooding in 2017, 2019 and 2023.

“2017 the basement was full,” he said.

“The basement was flooded, man. Everything was floating in water. That was bad.”

Although Barbier dealt with serious flooding in the past, he’s trying to keep a positive outlook.

“So far so good! We want to keep it up that way. Everybody is happy. Stressed, but happy.”

Cumberland-Masson Ferry

The Traversieries Bourbonnais ferry that runs between Cumberland and Masson has been suspended due to high water levels.

“We will resume service only when water levels decrease and safety conditions are fully met,” the owners said.

Ottawa River boating

The City of Ottawa is asking boaters to stay off the Ottawa River in the flooding zone.

“Boating close to shore may cause wakes, which contribute to additional damage to homes and flood barriers,” the city said on its website.

Mississippi River

A flood warning has been issued for sections of Mississippi River Watershed due to rising water levels and recent rainfall.

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says the flood warning applies to Dalhousie Lake and flood prone areas along the Mississippi River.

In a statement, the conservation authority said the lake is expected to rise an additional 10 centimetres over the next 24 hours.

“Water levels and flows are expected to continue rising in the Mississippi River downstream of Dalhousie Lake,” the authority said.

“Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.”

A flood watch remains in effect for the Upper Lakes on the Mississippi River Watershed, including Shabomeka, Mazinaw, Little Marble, Marble, Kashwakamak, Big Gull, and Mississagagon.

“Water levels have peaked and are expected to begin gradually receding this week with the forecasted break from the rain,” the conservation authority said.

With files from CTV’s Austin Lee.

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