Higher than normal Ottawa River flooding expected this week

Based on information provided by conservation authorities, including the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, the City of Ottawa is expecting flood levels along the Ottawa River to rise above normal levels by Wednesday or Thursday this week.

The flood levels are currently below what residents experienced in the spring of 2017 and 2019. However, residents whose properties and neighbourhoods have experienced flooding in the past 20 years should expect flooding this week.

Since March, the City of Ottawa has been providing sand and sandbags to residents who live in areas prone to spring flooding at various locations across the City. For an updated list of locations, visit the Spring flooding 2023 page on ottawa.ca. The City has 527,000 empty sandbags ready.

Residents are advised to take steps to protect their properties if they have not already done so and to check on neighbours for their needs.

Further updates on the City’s response to flooding will be posted on the Spring flooding 2023 page on ottawa.ca and in the Spring Flood 2023 Facebook group. Concerned residents are encouraged to follow these resources and their local conservation authorities for timely updates.

Additional flooding along the Rideau River is not anticipated at this time.