City of Ottawa prepares for flooding, more rain on the way

The City of Ottawa has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre amidst localized flooding.

The city says minor flooding is currently occurring in low-lying areas which regularly flood during the spring.

That flooding is largely the result of a spring characterized by April showers. According to Environment Canada, 83.4 mm of rain was recorded at the Ottawa International Airport between April 1 and April 17.

More rain is now on the way.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Ottawa, Kanata and Orléans as a cold front sweeps through the region.

Rain is expected to start Saturday afternoon and continue overnight and into Sunday morning. The weather agency is predicting totals of 10 to 20 mm of rain.

“Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts,” it says. “Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Don’t drive through flooded roadways.”

A flood watch is in place for both the Ottawa and Rideau rivers.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says areas between Arnprior and Britannia, and downstream of Britannia to Hawkesbury, are of particular concern. Minor flood levels are expected to be exceeded with the potential for major flood levels Sunday and into Monday.

The conservation authority defines major flood levels as “the level at which one or several streets are beginning to flood, with several houses/buildings or neighbourhoods being affected”.

Some roadways in the east of the city, including Tweddle Road, Boisé Lane and the Blair Road boat launch, are closed due to flooding. The city says it will continue to monitor the situation and all updates to road closures can be found on the city’s interactive map.

Residents are also encourage to protect their properties. The city says 15 sandbag locations are now open across the city.