Flood Hits 500 Buildings As Ottawa River levels Stabilize

Rising water levels along the Ottawa River have affected nearly 500 buildings in Gatineau, although officials say conditions are now beginning to stabilize after days of flooding caused by heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt.

Authorities reported that around 190 buildings could be directly flooded, while another 296 properties are at risk of becoming isolated as water continues to surround key areas. The situation has forced some residents to leave their homes, with at least 12 people voluntarily evacuating as a precaution.

Floodwaters have also disrupted infrastructure across the region. In total, 46 streets have been affected, and at least 13 roads are now accessible only by water. Several areas remain under a flood warning, stretching along the river from Pembroke to Hawkesbury, as officials continue to monitor changing conditions.

According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, water levels have started to level off in key locations. Minor increases were still recorded midweek, but forecasts suggest that levels will gradually decline over the coming days, especially in areas like Hull. However, authorities caution that further rises are still possible later in the spring due to remaining snowpack in northern parts of the basin.

Local officials in Gatineau have urged residents to remain cautious despite signs of improvement. Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said that while stabilization is encouraging, water levels remain high and communities are still vulnerable. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents have been advised to maintain protective measures such as dikes around their properties and avoid flooded roads.

Support services have also been activated, with the city opening assistance centres where residents can connect with relief organizations like the Red Cross. These centres are helping those affected manage immediate needs and plan next steps.

The flooding has also disrupted transportation and daily life. A ferry service connecting Cumberland and Masson has been suspended due to unsafe water conditions, and authorities in nearby Ottawa have asked boaters to stay off the river to prevent further damage from waves impacting flood barriers and homes.

Meanwhile, additional flood warnings have been issued for nearby waterways, including sections of the Mississippi River watershed, where water levels are expected to rise further before eventually receding.

Overall, while the situation shows early signs of improvement, officials emphasize that the risk is not yet over. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are being urged to stay alert, as weather conditions and runoff levels in the coming weeks will determine how quickly the region can fully recover.