Ottawa River flood risk rises as city closes some roads

A sandbag depot was set up by the City of Ottawa at the Constance Bay Community Centre, one of many locations across the city as part of flood preparedness efforts. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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Some road closures are in effect across the city as parts of the Ottawa River may be at an increased risk of flooding due to increased rainfall and ongoing snowmelt in low-lying areas.

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Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued a flood warning for parts of the Ottawa River from Pembroke to Arnprior in effect until Friday, while local conservation authorities have issued flood outlook statements from Arnprior to Hawkesbury as rain and warm temperatures have resulted in increased water levels.

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The risk may be lower for the parts of the Ottawa River running north of the City of Ottawa, but a flood outlook statement serves as an early notice of the potential for flooding in the region.

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“While there are currently no flooding indicators of concern, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions which remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall amounts,” according to a statement on the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s website.

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Some east-end roads along the Ottawa River are closed as the city cites water pooling and flood control.

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Tweddle Road, the main roadway heading into Petrie Island, is closed at the marina. Oziles’ Marina confirmed to the Ottawa Citizen that it is also closed.

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Water levels had risen to the same level as Tweddle Road as water started to pool on the sides of the pebbled road. Orange road closure signs sat at the marina blocking access to the island.

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Boisé Lane in Cumberland is also closed, as well as the north end of Blair Road at the marina.

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Additionally, in the city’s south end, Ray Wilson Road between York’s Corners Road and Gregoire Road in Osgoode is also closed, the city said on its website.

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Water levels on the Ottawa River have been rising quickly this week due to rain, warm temperatures and upstream snowmelt, said Beth Gooding, director of the city’s Public Safety Service.

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“Forecasts indicate that some Ottawa area levels may approach or exceed those seen in 2025,” Gooding said, with localized flooding expected in low-lying areas over the coming weeks.

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A city task force is monitoring conditions and has opened 14 sandbag stations across the city.

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“We’re encouraging residents in flood prone areas to stay informed and to take basic precautionary and planning steps,” Gooding said. “Conditions are manageable right now, but we need to keep close watch and stay ready if things shift.”

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A sandbag depot was set up by the City of Ottawa at the Constance Bay Community Centre, one of many locations across the city as part of flood preparedness efforts. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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Water levels at Britannia Beach were recorded at 59.15 cubic metres per second above sea level as of Wednesday, above the 30-year median of 58.89 cubic metres per second for this day. Water levels are forecasted to reach up to 60 cubic metres per second by Saturday, according to data collected by the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board.

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Meanwhile, water levels at the Ottawa River at Gatineau were observed at 42.9 cubic metres per second on Wednesday, above the median of 42.24 cubic metres. Forecasted values are once again expected to rise in the coming days.