Hi neighbour,
I hope you’re all holding up during another week of flood clean up and recovery.
I wanted to share some updates from yesterday’s City Council meeting, as well as resources for people looking to access additional support.
In this bulletin:
- Updates from City Council (July 15, 2026)
- Red Cross partnership: Access resources and support
- Upcoming Community Information Sessions
- Update on Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO)
- Samaritan’s Purse: Volunteer opportunities
- Update from by-law: Temporary parking
- Storm waste and landfill reimbursements
- Corkstown Pool reopening on July 20
Updates from City Council (July 15, 2026)
Yesterday was the first meeting of City Council since the storms on July 1st. It was the first opportunity I had to speak directly with all of Council and City Staff about the direct impact this storm has had on people across Ottawa, especially right here in Bay Ward (link to Council video).
In an update from staff, we heard about the scale of the storm, including:
- More than 6,000 reported basement floods (if your If your property was affected and you have not yet submitted a service request for storm debris collection or basement flooding, please do so. Report basement flooding);
- Power outages that impacted more than 30,000 residents;
- Widespread property damage, downed trees and road closures; and
- Approximately 100 residents displaced from their homes, requiring temporary accommodations
We also had an update on actions taken by the City to support residents and communities affected by the storm, including:
- More than 3,300 wellness visits to check on residents and connect people with additional support;
- More than 1,000 visits to community information hubs and sessions, where residents could access City services, insurance resources and community support;
- More than 2,600 tonnes of storm debris collected through enhanced waste collection and disposal services; and
- Ongoing support from partners including the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and other community organizations
As anyone dealing with flood clean up can attest, there’s still more to do. At Council yesterday, I was happy to bring forward and support motions to bring more help to residents dealing with the aftermath of the storm, to analyze the impact of this storm, how we can make our systems more resilient to avoid future flooding, and how we can improve our emergency response coordination to get help to residents faster.
Council approved a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to provide urgent support to residents affected by the extreme weather event. More details on the partnership and how residents can access that support are available below.
Council also approved additional support for residents dealing with flooding and property damage. The City will waive building permit fees for flood-related repairs, waive encroachment fees for waste containers used to collect storm debris, and expand the Compassionate Grant Program and Residential Protective Plumbing Program so more residents can access financial assistance.
I also brought forward a motion with my colleague Councillor Johnson to direct staff to conduct a detailed analysis of the neighbourhoods most impacted by the flooding, to identify contributing causes, and identify and prioritize improvements (link to full motion). I also worked with Councillor Devine on a motion to conduct a thorough review of the city’s emergency response process, and to identify areas of improvement for getting information and resources to impacted residents faster (link to full motion).
Finally, I brought forward an inquiry to learn more about supports available for tenants in the aftermath of extreme weather events.
I will continue to get answers, advocate for improvements, and keep the community updated as this work continues.
Red Cross partnership: Access resources and support
The Red Cross are offering personalized recovery support for individuals and families who were impacted by the flooding.
Our Case Management teams will work directly with you to discuss your unique needs. They will help you with your recovery and with accessing available support.
This may include:
- Support planning for your return home
- Support understanding insurance
- Support understanding community resources
- Support understanding available information to help you make decisions and plan your next steps
- Providing referrals to other services
Speak to a Case Manager:
To access assistance, you can reach out to the Red Cross by:
- leaving a voicemail at 1-800-863-6582. Calls will be returned within two days.
- emailing: NavigationSupportON@redcross.ca
Upcoming Community Information Sessions
Additional recovery-focused Community Information Sessions have been confirmed to provide residents with information, support and access to available recovery resources. These sessions will include representatives from the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre, and a range of City services. Residents will be able to learn about available supports, including the Compassionate Grant Program, ask questions, and connect with recovery resources tailored to their needs.
- Friday, July 17, from 10 am to 2 pm: Maki House (19 Leeming Drive) in the Crystal Beach–Lakeview neighbourhood
- Friday, July 17, from 4 pm to 8 pm: Richmond Room at the Nepean Sportsplex (1701 Woodroffe Avenue).
- Saturday, July 18, from 11 am to 3 pm: Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Drive)
To support residents attending the Community Information Session at Maki House on Friday, July 17, an OC Transpo shuttle will operate free of charge between Bayshore Station (Stop B) and Maki House. Shuttle service will begin at 10 am and run approximately every 30 minutes throughout the session, with return trips available.
Update on Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO)
The Province of Ontario has confirmed that the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program will be activated for residents in eligible areas of Ottawa affected by significant flooding. Eligible residents will soon be able to apply for financial assistance for losses not covered by insurance once the program is formally activated, and application details are released. Residents are encouraged to check this page regularly for updates. Information on eligibility, the application process, and available support will be posted as soon as it is provided by the Province.
Samaritan’s Purse: Volunteer opportunities now available
Samaritan’s Purse Canada is seeking volunteers to support extreme weather event response efforts in Ottawa. Residents interested in volunteering can learn more and register through the organization’s volunteer sign-up page. Samaritan’s Purse is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that is independently coordinating and managing volunteer support for affected residents. Individuals who register will volunteer directly with Samaritan’s Purse, not the City of Ottawa.
Update from By-law: Temporary parking consideration
Temporary parking consideration continues in some neighbourhoods impacted by the extreme weather event. Residents can provide a printed copy of their 3-1-1 service request information to property assessment and restoration contractors to place visibly on the vehicle dash within affected areas.
Vehicles parked safely and not obstructing fire hydrants, driveways, homes or emergency vehicle access may be given consideration during response efforts. Residents are still asked to park responsibly, respect their neighbours and follow parking regulations.
Pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety remains our priority. Learn more about eligibility and requirements: https://bit.ly/4eYnvow
Storm waste and landfill reimbursements
We know that flood clean up is going to take some time. Special collection crews have been moving through storm-impacted neighbourhoods for the past couple weeks. Moving forward, residents can submit a 3-1-1 request anytime they need their storm-waste picked up. Please rest assured: we will continue to support you with waste collection throughout your flood clean up. Construction and demolition material
Residents may set out up to two containers of construction and demolition material for storm-related waste collection. Construction and demolition debris exceeding two containers will not be collected. Containers must be prepared and set out according to regular collection guidelines, including:
- Have a maximum capacity of 140 litres
- Weigh 15 kg (33 lb) or less
- Have a removable lid.
Textile floor coverings such as carpet, underpad and area rugs must be securely tied into bundles no larger than:
- 1.2 metres (4 feet) long
- 0.6 metres (2 feet) wide
- 0.6 metres (2 feet) high
- 15 kilograms (33 pounds) in weight
These items are collected separately and can be set out in addition to the two-container construction waste limit.
For larger quantities of construction and demolition debris, residents will need to work through their insurance and/or a contractor.
Trail Waste Facility Landfill reimbursements
Information on reimbursement for eligible residents who have already paid storm-related waste disposal fees at the Trail Waste Facility Landfill is now available on Ottawa.ca. The information outlines how to submit a reimbursement request, required supporting documentation, and anticipated processing timelines.
Corkstown Pool will reopen on July 20!
Some much needed good news! Corkstown Pool and parking lot will be reopened on Monday, July 20th. We’re looking forward to having this pool back open for everyone to enjoy. Thanks so much to city staff who worked quickly to get the pool and parking lot repaired.
Visit the website for the pool schedule and other information.
