Hi neighbour,
I hope you’re all doing okay after yesterday’s unprecedented storm. Neighbourhoods across Bay Ward saw significant flooding. For those of you dealing with flooded basements- I know what you’re going through, as my basement, and that of my neighbours was also flooded. I’m working with city departments, Hydro Ottawa, and the Mayor’s office to ensure we can provide support to all residents who were impacted by yesterday’s storm.
Report your flood using the 3-1-1 online form:
If you haven’t already done so, please report your basement flood using this online form:link. This will help city crews track the extent of the damage, and respond to residents’ requests for support. You can also find more information on dealing with flooding on the City of Ottawa website:
Reminder from Hydro Ottawa:
Hydro Ottawa would like to remind residents not to enter flooded basements if the water has risen above electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, or electrical panels. If this is the case, please contact Hydro Ottawa to have your power safely disconnected before proceeding. In cases where electrical equipment has sustained damage, repairs will be more complex and restoration will take additional time.
Support measures for impacted residents:
- The City’s Public Works team will be removing garbage limits in areas affected by the flooding (including Bay Ward). They are also looking at adding extra collection dates to support clean up. My office will share more details when they are confirmed with the Public Works team.
- I will also be supporting the Mayor’s motion at our next council meeting to waive building permit fees for all residents who need to rebuild their basement because of these storms.
- My office is also working with the City’s Right of Way team to expedite the process for approving dumpsters/storage cubes on the road to help with clean up. I’ll share more updates with residents when I receive them.
Grant and rebate programs:
- Compassionate Grant program: The Compassionate Grant provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners and tenants affected by flooding due to a sewer surcharge event. Visit the City of Ottawa website for more information.
- Residential Protective Plumbing program: The Residential Protective Plumbing program provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves. Visit the City of Ottawa website for more information.
Nearby cooling locations:
Visit Ottawa Public Health’s website for a full list of cooling centres in the city. Here are some nearby spots:
- Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre — 102 Greenview Ave — 613-828-4313 (Lobby is open from Monday- Friday, 9 am- 4 pm)
- Pinecrest Recreation Complex — 2250 Torquay Ave — 613-580-9676 (showers are available)
- Michele Heights Community Centre — 2955 Michèle Dr — 613-828-5100
- First Unitarian Church -30 Cleary ave- 613-725-1066 or email oas@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
- Our friends at First Unitarian have opened a cooling centre from 10 am to 8 pm today and tomorrow.
- Reservations aren’t required, but a heads-up that you are coming would be appreciated for planning purposes.
- Our friends at First Unitarian have opened a cooling centre from 10 am to 8 pm today and tomorrow.
- Residents in need of temporary overnight shelter can call 311, and select option #2 to be connected with a caseworker.
City Facilities closed due to weather damage:
- Corkstown Pool
- Carlingwood Library and Nepean Centrepointe Library branches
- Please note that holds pick up dates and due dates will be extended for clients.
- Please do not return library items to Nepean Centrepointe branch or Carlingwood branch.
Catch Basins
- If you can, please clear out catch basins in your neighbourhood. This will help in preventing future flooding. https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/drinking-water-stormwater-and-wastewater/stormwater-and-drainage/catch-basin-locator-map
List of Community Associations in Bay Ward
- If you’re able to help, please check in on your neighbours, and ask your local community association if they need any volunteers to support with flood clean up. A list of Community Associations in Bay Ward is available at this link: https://www.baywardbulletin.ca/community-associations-in-bay-ward/
That’s everything for now. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office (bayward@ottawa.ca). We’re here to support you. Let’s continue to take care of each other!
Theresa Kavanagh
Bay Ward Councillor
