City of Gatineau warns residents to prepare for possible incoming flooding conditions

By Dani-Elle Dubé

The City of Gatineau says it is continuing to monitor water levels for the Gatineau River as incoming rainfall could mean floods in the near future.

In an announcement released on Wednesday May 26, the City of Gatineau says even though water levels are now dropping, the upcoming rainfall and the fact that the Baskatong reservoir is at its limit will “significantly increase water levels” in the Gatineau River starting on Thursday, May 26.

As a result, Gatineau will be pursuing its readiness measures, such as opening a centre for flood victims tomorrow.

The centre will be located at the Stade-Pierre-Lafontaine arena at 255 rue Saint-Antoine.

The City says the sectors along the Gatineau River will be hit the hardest.

And, according to experts consulted by the City, there is no reason to expect a rise in water levels above flood levels for the Ottawa River.

The Centre de coordination des mesures d’urgence (CCMU) and the Centre d’opération d’urgence sur le site (COUS) are operational and crew have been mobilized.

Four sandbar distribution sites are now open for the higher risk sectors.

As well, bulk sand and materials required to make up the bags are available at those sites. Residents, however, should bring their own shovels.

Two sites have been relocated to improve traffic flow. Those include:

  • The site next to the intersection of Rodolphe and Saint-Louis has been relocated to the Sain-Jean-de-Brébeuf community centre at 70 rue Moreau;
  • The site at the intersection of Saint-Antoine and De la Baie has been relocated to park La Baie (between 91 and 95 rue to la Baie).

The remaining sandbag distribution sites are at the intersections of:

  • rue Cartier and rue des Rapides;
  • boulevard de la Gappe and rue Carmen.

For safety purposes, parents are asked not to bring kids to the distribution sites.

There are two sandbag filling sites: 476 Blvd. Saint-René East and 100 rue Edmonton, each with three bagging machines that will be running 24 hours a day.

In addition to the pumps that are already in place, Gatineau has added another at  Robert 307 pumping station, which is a critical location during floods.

Quebec’s ministère des Transports is also in the midst of installing AquaDam barriers on autoroute50 at Lac Leamy.

Fire department staff have been out in the field informing shoreline residents to ensure their safety.

Gatineau is also working closely with the Canadian Red Cross to provide housing and food for victims.

Anyone feeling they need help with their mental health can contact 811 (option 2) at any time. It is free and confidential.

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