City partners with non-government organizations for July 1 recovery
Posted Jul 28, 2026 12:29:05 PM.
Last Updated Jul 29, 2026 10:01:38 AM.
The City of Ottawa published a release on July 27 that provides new resources and volunteer opportunities to help to support the recovery from Ottawa’s massive July 1 storm.
On July 1, 2026, Ottawa was hit by a Canada Day storm that saw 118.4mm of rainfall, nearly double the city’s prior record of 58.9mm set in 1959. Ottawa’s mayor Mark Sutcliffe said in the aftermath that over 5,800 reports of flooded basements were received in the following week.
Between July 2 and July 13, crews mobilized by the city to gather debris collected over 2,500 tonnes of debris. In addition to flooding, the event also caused damage to powerlines and other city infrastructure.
In the month since the weather event, the City of Ottawa has partnered with a variety of non-governmental organizations to help aid cleanup and rehoming efforts, including fundraising.
Canadian Red Cross
On July 16, the Canadian Red Cross began a donation fund specifically focused on helping residents who needed temporary shelter accommodations while insurance claims are processed on their damaged property. In addition to supporting those already affected, Red Cross says in a release that funding will go towards programs to improve “community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Ottawa and the surrounding area.”
You can donate to the Canadian Red Cross at their secure donation portal.
Samaritan’s Purse Canada
Ottawa has also partnered with Samaritan’s Purse Canada, an organization that coordinates volunteer recovery efforts. According to the release, the group’s focus through the month has been to remove materials from basements that were damaged as a result of the July 1 flooding, for those who are unable to do so.
Those looking to volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse Canada can do so at the City of Ottawa’s volunteer opportunities portal.
Recovery Information Sessions
For those looking to better understand topics related to the weather event, its recovery process, and future prevention efforts, the city has also begun a series of recovery information sessions. The first of these sessions was held at Ben Franklin Place on July 24.
The city says support staff, including those from the Canadian Red Cross, will be at these meetings to educate on and provide support for topics including:
– Information on counselling and wellness supports
– Health and safety when cleaning flooded homes
– Insurance and case management experts
– Residential Protective Plumbing and Compassionate Grant programs
– Building code and permitting process
– Financial assistance and grant programs
– Waste disposal
There are two remaining information sessions in the month of July. They will take place on:
– Tuesday, July 28 at Ben Franklin Place, second floor, 101 Centrepointe Drive, from 2 to 6 pm
and
– Thursday, July 30 at Ben Franklin Place, second floor, 101 Centrepointe Drive, from 2 to 6 pm
More information on the information sessions can be found on the City of Ottawa’s website.
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