City of Gatineau warns of flooding, with rising water levels in Baskatong Reservoir

Officials in the City of Gatineau are asking residents to be prepared for potential floods.

The city was notified about high water levels at the Baskatong reservoir, north of Maniwaki, with an additional two inches of water over a 10-day span.

“The water from the reservoir needs to be released gradually to avoid any mechanical damage,” explained Gatineau Mayor France Belisle, in French on Monday, May 23.

Increased water levels are expected, and the City of Gatineau is advising residents who live near where the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers meet, that their properties are most likely to be affected. 

The includes Jacques-Cartier and Saint-Louis Streets, near Highway 50.

The areas at moderate risk include south of Saint-Sauveur Street, between Saint-Patrice and Sanscartier streets, Hurtubise Boulevard East and West, Fer-à-Cheval and Du Ruisseau streets in Masson-Angers. 

“Every citizen needs to be prepared all the time, so what we're asking them is to be prepared (food and water) for 72 hours in advance,” said Belisle.

Gatineau experienced widespread flooding in 2017 and 2019.

Sandbags can be picked up at various locations as of noon on Tuesday, May 24.