We received 35 mm of mixed precipitation as of 6pm yesterday, prompting updates from our conservation authority partners. Today, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued a combined Flood Warning and Flood Watch as there are some areas that have flooded. The good news is that despite the weather, both the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and South Nation Conservation Authority have not upgraded their water safety statements.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Rideau River
Water levels and flows are expected to increase and remain elevated in throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed throughout the next week.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s Flood Warning issued today is in effect for properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the Lower Rideau Valley Watershed. There are flooding impacts to low lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek and any creeks or connecting ditches near North Gower as well as in the village of Kars around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Road South.
As temperatures continue to rise, the potential for ice jams remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Potential flooding along roadways is also a concern due to snow and ice buildup on roadside ditches.
A Flood Watch is in effect for low-lying properties along Rideau River Lane and Rideau Gardens. There is localized flooding in a number of areas. In Ward 17, the multi-use pathway under the Hurdman rail bridge is closed. At Brewer Park, the path, parking lot and lower field are under water with barricades erected. Barricades are also up at Brantwood Park where the path is under water. Osborne Park is under water and the pathway at Linda Thom Park remains closed. In Ward 12 the pathway in Riverain Park is under water with barricades in place. The multi-use pathway under the St. Patrick Bridge (Wards 12 & 13) is also closed due to flooding.
Ottawa River
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s April 4 update indicated that water levels and flows in most locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River are below average for this time of year. Even with yesterday’s precipitation, the board says flows and levels should remain close to seasonal values.
Minor Water Courses
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority’s Water Safety Statement, updated yesterday, says our recent weather will cause a significant increase in levels and flows throughout the Mississippi and Carp River watersheds over the next few days. No significant flooding is expected, but areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.
The South Nation Conservation Authority’s Water Safety Statement, updated April 4, says flows and levels are high due to last weekend’s precipitation and are expected to get higher due to yesterday’s weather and melting snow. Fast flowing water can create ice dams at bridges, culverts and other areas producing localized flooding. Residents in those historically susceptible areas should take necessary precautions. Along the South Castor River, the Ray Wilson Bridge (Ward 20 – between York’s Corners Road and Gregoire Road) remains closed due to flooding.
OUR RESPONSE
A new sandbag-filling depot is now available at 2847 March Road. This will complement the depots already in place at 1655 Maple Grove Road, 1683 Woodward Drive, 2121 Huntley Road and 4127 John Shaw Road, 29 Hurdman Road and 2145 Roger Stevens Drive.
We continue to work with our partners and will adjust our response as conditions warrant.
WHAT RESIDENTS CAN DO
Residents can join the City of Ottawa’s Spring Flood 2023 Facebook group to access information for those affected by spring flooding or anyone who wishes to keep up to date with any developments.
Residents can also visit ottawa.ca/springflooding to get valuable information such as current conditions, any road, pathway or park closures, planning and prevention tips, and sandbag depot locations.
Residents who want to sign up for the RVCA’s flood mailing list, they can do that here.
NEXT STEPS
I am committed to keeping you informed on the progress of this year’s Spring Freshet and will provide you with weekly updates until there is no longer a risk of spring flooding. The timing of these updates may change to coincide with updates from our Conservation Authority partners.
