Government of Canada matches donations to the Red Cross for Ottawa’s Canada Day flood
Posted Sep 5, 2026 12:59:36 PM.
The Government of Canada announced they will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross for the historic flooding on Canada Day in Ottawa.
On Sep. 4, Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced that the Canadian Government is matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross’ 2026 appeal for flooding in Manitoba. This included matching donations for flooding in Ottawa as well.
“The Canada Day floods in Ottawa had a devastating impact on communities and homes,” said Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West— Nepean in a release. “Many lost more than can be replaced. But our community came forward and helped by giving donations to the Canadian Red Cross to help their neighbours. Today the Government of Canada is also there to help with matching donations. We will always be there to support the people of Ottawa.”
On July 1, 2026, intense flooding closed roads, cancelled Canada Day celebrations and set a new rainfall record in Ottawa. Firefighters responded to over 700 reports of downed wires and electrical hazards, officials detailed.
According to Environment Canada’s data, 118.4 millimetres of precipitation fell on Canada Day. This is about double the previous record — 58.9 mm — that was first set in 1959 at the Ottawa International Airport.
As a result, Ottawa’s mayor said the city has 5,800 reports of flooded basements more than a week after the storm, with people still feeling its impacts.
Canadian homeowners, renters and businesses can improve their flood preparedness and resilience by learning more about steps they can take to reduce the impact of floods on their property at this link.
With files from Natasha O’Neill
