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West Carleton Flood Updates: Conditions, Response & Information

With water levels changing quickly across West Carleton, we’ll be sharing regular updates here to keep residents informed on flooding conditions across West Carleton and Ward 5, including local impacts and guidance from City staff and emergency services. This page will be updated regularly as conditions evolve. Residents are encouraged to check back often for the latest information.


If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to our team at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2475 if you have any questions or need assistance.



May 11, 2026


We continue to ask residents to retain current sandbag wall protection in place while allowing the city to begin initial demobilization work prior to moving to recovery operations. Recovery operations are currently expected to continue through the end of May or early June.

Current conditions


The Ottawa River has continued to decrease at a slowed rate as water flows from the Northern portion of the basin to the Carillon outlet. The Ottawa area continues to have a Flood Watch in effect due to these elevated conditions which is set to expire on May 19. Currently, water levels have continued to decline and are roughly midway between 1:5 and moving toward 1:2 levels as of this morning. As a result of these positive trends, the freshet response team have started work on recovery planning.

Direction to residents


Until further notice, we are asking people to maintain any sandbag wall protection already in place on private property for the short term. Recovery planning is underway and will occur in multiple phases.


May 7, 2026


A spring freshet update from Beth Gooding, Director | Public Safety Service | Emergency and Protective Services:


Conditions along the Ottawa River continue to improve, with water levels gradually declining across all monitored areas. At this time, no significant rainfall is forecast over the next seven days, and local weather conditions are not expected to worsen flooding impacts.


Despite these positive trends, some uncertainty remains regarding upstream conditions, including the timing and rate of snowmelt in northern parts of the watershed. As a precaution, the City remains in Enhanced Operations, and the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) continues to coordinate response activities, monitor conditions with external partners, and support recovery planning in affected communities.

Close to 140 homes in the City’s flood-prone areas have sandbags in place, the vast majority of which are in West Carleton. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to keep flood protection measures in place until there is greater certainty that water levels will continue to recede without a secondary rise.

The City has started planning for debris removal, which can be a significant undertaking following flood events. More than 50,000 sandbags are currently deployed on private property. Areas affected by flooding will also require targeted clean-up, including some roads and multi-use paths.


The City will continue to provide updates on ottawa.ca. Staff remain engaged with impacted residents and partner agencies to support response and early recovery efforts.

Thank you,


Beth Gooding (she/her/elle)

Director | Directrice

Public Safety Service | Service de sécurité publique

Emergency and Protective Services




April 27, 2026


Here's the MVCA's latest flood status update for areas along the lower Ottawa River.


April 27, 2026: This Flood Warning statement is an update to the Flood Warning issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 20th, 2026. This warning is in effect until May 4th, 2026, at 5:00 PM.


Water levels and flows have gradually declined along the Ottawa River over the last few days. Based on forecasts from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee, rain forecasted in the Ottawa River Basin will lead to increases in water levels starting today. Water level increases should remain below the peaks observed last week.


From Arnprior to Britannia the potential for major flood levels to be exceeded may be possible by the weekend.


From Britannia to Hawkesbury, minor flood levels are expected to persist in some flood-prone areas, with major flood levels being exceeded in some areas by the weekend.


Water levels in the Constance Bay area have receded from the April 22 peak but remain above the 10-year flood level. Levels are expected to remain elevated over the coming week. Levels may begin to rise again later today and into the end of the week; however, they are expected to remain below the recent peak. Residents can expect flooding in low-lying and flood prone areas. No impacts to roadway access are anticipated at this time. A small number of low-lying properties will continue to experience water at residential structures.


Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures, such as:


- Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.

- Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.

- Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.

- Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.

- Securing items that might float away as flows increase.


Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children and provide appropriate supervision around all waterbodies.


The Ottawa River Regulating Committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts


Approximately 85 homes in West Carleton and Cumberland have sandbags in place. As a precaution, Enbridge has shut off gas service to 12 homes, and septic systems at 15 properties are affected.

The City continues to:


• Maintain 15 sandbag filling sites across the City

• Make filled sandbags available to residents in affected areas

• Implement road, park, and pathway closures where required

• Issue public safety messaging and regular updates

• Support impacted residents with access to showers and washrooms

• Coordinate with utility providers and NGO partners


Visit the sandbag page for info for information about:


- How to prepare your property

- How to plan and building your sandbag wall.

- Sandbag locations


More sandbag filling stations have been added in locations along the Ottawa River. Check regularly as more stations may be added.


If you'd like to volunteer to help with filling and moving sandbags, connect with https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/

Key Messages for Residents:


Residents are encouraged to keep sandbags in place until there is greater certainty on the timing and level of a potential second peak.

Boat operators are asked to avoid flooded areas of the Ottawa River. Wakes near shore can cause significant damage to homes, property, and temporary flood protection measures.



Wednesday, April 22, 2026


Today’s flood update: Currently, water levels are plateauing and are expected to gradually decline. The first phase of the freshet peaked at, or just below, the level recorded in 2023.

Ongoing monitoring is required, though, as conditions are dependent on weather and any remaining inflow from the north.


Minor flooding levels have been exceeded in low-lying areas that are typically prone to flooding. Major flood levels have been exceeded at many locations between Lac Coulogne and near the Montreal area. Major flooding is defined as water levels at which one or several streets begin to flood, affecting several homes, buildings, or entire neighbourhoods.

Please leave any protective measures you have put in place, such as sandbag walls, until further notice.


Reminders:

If water gets to the point where it may soon touch outlets or appliances like your furnace, you will need to shut your power off. Read more about flood safety here: https://esasafe.com/safety/storm-safety/flood-safety/


Water and septic issues: Again, I urge anyone who may be affected by either overland flooding or excess groundwater to follow the advice here: Septic systems, private wells and utilities - Spring flooding | City of Ottawa


Shower and water access are available at:


- Constance Bay Community Centre (262 Len Purcell Drive): 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

- W. Erskine Johnston Arena (3832 Carp Road): 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.


Volunteers to help fill sandbags are especially needed during the week. You can just show up to help at one of the sandbagging locations:


Or you can sign up at West Carleton Disaster Relief: https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/


Finally, as a former student of West Carleton Secondary School, I'm proud that my office was able to help coordinate today's WCSS student efforts with filling and moving sandbags. Their work today was another example of the strength of our community.



Tuesday April 21, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly


Here's our latest flood update: As expected, water levels came up yet again in our section of the lower Ottawa River overnight. As a result, there was an increase in the number of people needing sandbags this morning and throughout the day.


Safe access to homes is becoming an issue for some and Enbridge has shut off the gas to at least 15 residences over the course of the last two days. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has also been present in affected areas, but I am unsure if power has been shut off to any homes at this time but people are being urged to be very cautious.


If water gets to the point where it is touching outlets or appliances like your furnace you will need to shut your power off. Read more about flood safety at the ESA website: https://esasafe.com/safety/storm-safety/flood-safety/


More septic systems and wells have become unusable, and the City has deployed portable toilets to multiple affected areas. Again, I urge anyone who may be affected by either overland flooding or excess ground water to follow the advice here: https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/emergency-preparedness/current-and-ongoing-emergencies/spring-flooding/septic-systems-private-wells-and-utilities


Shower and water access is available at:


- Constance Bay Community Centre (262 Len Purcell Drive): 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

- W. Erskine Johnston Arena (3832 Carp Road): 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.


Volunteers to help fill sandbags are especially needed during the week. You can just show up to help at one of the sandbagging locations https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/roads-sidewalks-and-pathways/water-pooling-and-flood-control/sandbags/current-sandbag-depot-locations. Or you can sign up at West Carleton Disaster Relief: https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/


I'd like to thank Harlow for sending members of their crew and tractors to help move sandbags, as well as Capital Framers for coming out to fill bags all day. It is great to see the community banding together to help their neighbours.


You can see the latest and most up to date forecast from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board here: https://www.ottawariver.ca/


As always, my office is here to help. Contact our team at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca.




Monday April 20, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly


It’s not the news we wanted to hear, but the MVCA has now upgraded its flood status to a flood warning. Major flood levels have been exceeded from Arnprior to Hawkesbury.

 

Water levels in the Constance Bay area are expected to rise by up to 10 cm through today and tomorrow. Residents should expect flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. A small number of low-lying properties will experience water reaching residential structures. 

 

More homes have been affected today, and many residents are actively filling sandbags and building protective barriers. Several homes have had their gas shut off, and in some cases, safe access to properties is becoming increasingly difficult.


We do have the following road issues, due to freshet flooding.

• Willola Beach Road at Canon Smith Drive - local traffic only

• Allbirch Road at MacMillan Lane - local traffic only

 

Operations continue at the Kinburn Public Works Yard, with crews working to fill and distribute sandbags as quickly as possible to the areas most affected. Sand piles are being replenished regularly.

 

We are also seeing an increase in reports of septic and well issues. For these concerns, residents are encouraged to review the following guidance from the City: https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/emergency-preparedness/current-and-ongoing-emergencies/spring-flooding/septic-systems-private-wells-and-utilities

 

The City has ordered portable toilets, which will be placed in key areas as needed.

 

Shower and water access is available at:


  • Constance Bay Community Centre (262 Len Purcell Drive): 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

  • W. Erskine Johnston Arena (3832 Carp Road): 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.


Volunteers are especially needed during the week. You can just show up to help at one of the sandbagging locations (full list here). Or you can sign up at the West Carleton Disaster Relief website: https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca


A sincere thank you to the Fry Department and Nichols Esso for providing food to volunteers today.

 

We are also working with West Carleton Secondary School to coordinate student support for sandbagging efforts. In 2023, students filled 10,000 sandbags in a single day, and we’re thankful for their community spirit once again.

 

You can see the latest and most up to date forecast from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board here: https://www.ottawariver.ca/

 

As always, my office is here to help. Contact our team at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca.




Sunday April 19, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly:


Another very active day with more residents taking action as the water rose again over the last 24 hours. Water levels on the lower Ottawa have exceeded 2025 levels but do remain below the 2023 peak and are expected to continue to rise over the next few days but at a slower rate than we have seen in the past 3 days.


You can see the latest and most up to date forecast from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board here: https://www.ottawariver.ca/ 


For anyone who is dealing with either overland flooding or excess groundwater your septic and well may soon become affected if they are not already. Please see this link from the City of Ottawa with more information and steps you should take: https://ottawa.ca/.../septic-systems-private-wells-and... 


The city is preparing should it need to deploy porta potties to certain locations, and the Constance Bay Community Centre will be open from 6am-10pm daily where a shower is available for those who need it. I will inquire with staff about opening up other locations for potable water and showers if there is a need.


There was activity at all the strategically placed sandbag filling stations and pre-filled sandbags were dropped by the city beginning again early this morning.


City staff and volunteer partners were once again using the sandbag machine at the Kinburn Public Works Yard and Tomlinson sent someone over to help get the second machine up and running this afternoon. Thanks again to Tomlinson for lending us their machine.

Team Rubicon and our many community volunteers filled over 5 thousand sandbags today just at the Constance Bay Community Centre alone!


There is lots of spring left and more water to come from the north but as I made my way around ward 5 today there was no sense of panic. That is because we are prepared and we are out supporting each other. WCDR is active all day long coordinating supports, volunteers are coming out, our rural firefighters are checking in with people. Our community is strong.

As I do every day, I will remind everyone to be vigilant, to watch the forecast closely and understand what it means for your property and have a plan in place.


For more information on being flood ready or to sign up to volunteer or receive support please visit https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/


Some additional links with information that may be helpful:


Don't hesitate to reach out to my team at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2475 if you have any questions or need assistance.


Sunday April 19, 2026, Images:



Saturday April 18, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly:


It was a busy day across Ward 5 as we continue to respond to both rising waters along the Ottawa River as well as non-waterfront properties experiencing issues caused by groundwater saturation.


Early this morning Public Works staff began distributing filled sandbags to strategic locations and we had a solid crew of volunteers filling bags throughout the day at the Constance Bay Community Centre. I would like to thank Team Rubicon and the members of the community for coming out and getting bags filled for the people who are now building sandbag walls.


There was a steady stream of residents coming to pick up filled bags as the river continues to rise fast and we have now passed levels seen in 2025 with levels expected to reach somewhere between 2025 and 2023 by the end of the weekend. This will likely lead to more homes needing support over the coming days.


If you are able to lend a hand filling or transporting bags you can sign up here through WCDR: https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/


We also had St. John Ambulance, supported by Public Works staff working the new sandbag machine pumping out at least 500 filled bags an hour all day long.


I would like to sincerely thank R.W. Tomlinson for donating a second sandbag machine which has been delivered to the city and staff were busy getting it fired up when I visited the Kinburn Public Works Yard earlier today.


I also want to give a big shout out to The Fry Department for keeping our volunteers fed today by donating delicious cheeseburgers and poutine helping to keep everyone going all day.


Sandpiles are being replenished as needed, filled bags are being distributed as they are made to the most affected areas, WCDR is very active and we will continue to keep a close eye on the forecasts and support each other as things evolve.


As always, the key message is to keep a close on conditions, have a plan in place and don't hesitate to reach out if you need support or have questions.


Information and forecasts on water levels and conditions can be found at both MVCA and the ORPB. See links below:



Additional info can also be found at https://ottawa.ca/.../spring-flooding/current-situation

I'll be back out there tomorrow and will provide further updates as things progress.


Saturday April 18, 2026, Images:




Friday April 17, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly:


Good morning, Ward 5.


My conversations with staff from Public Works and Emergency and Protective Services continued into the evening yesterday and again early this morning as the situation along the Ottawa River evolves and water levels steadily increase. People are getting nervous with what they are seeing and with what is still to come. I have asked the city to deploy additional resources to support the community’s efforts to help each other and protect their homes.


The City will be deploying all of the pre filled bags it has on hand, which is limited (only about 6 thousand). For context we started with 10k last year. As we do in any flood, we require volunteers to help fill bags to help distribution and deployment easier. If you wish to assist in these efforts you can sign up here with WCDR 2026



We will also need volunteers with trucks, trailers, or heavy vehicles to help transport and deliver filled sandbags.


The City will be deploying the sandbag machine which will look a little different than in past years. It will be in use steadily but will be kept at the Kinburn Public Works Yard. Bags will be filled at this location and transported from there.


The necessary authorization has been granted to allow staff to replenish sand piles as needed throughout the weekend and you can expect see lots of City trucks in and out of Constance Bay, Dunrobin Shores, Willola Beach and Vydon Acres.


Members from the Ottawa Fire team will be out knocking on doors in some areas to identify concerns and to identify supports that may be needed.


Stay tuned for further details over the course of the day and weekend. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or require assistance. Clarke.Kelly@ottawa.ca or 613.580.2475.


See you at the sandpile later today!


List links to WCDR Flood ready https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/floodready




Thursday April 16, 2026, Statement from Councillor Kelly:


This has become a difficult and nervous time of year for many residents living along or near the Ottawa River and this was not the information any of us wanted to receive today.

The MVCA has just updated its flood status for the lower Ottawa from Arnprior to Hawkesbury and we need to pay attention. If you have been affected by flooding in the last decade, please take time to read this update.


Here is an excerpt from the update with a link to the full update from MVCA below:

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - LOWER OTTAWA RIVER - FLOOD WATCH - From Arnprior to Britannia, minor flood levels are expected to be reached in flood-prone areas today, with the potential for major flood levels to be exceeded in some locations over the weekend.



Yesterday I did a brief interview with CTV and the link to the story is here.


While the flood outlook statement has since been upgraded to a flood watch, the message remains the same. Regularly monitor the forecasts from the City of Ottawa, MVCA, and the ORRPB. Start making a plan if you don’t have one already. Think about reaching out to friends and family that can help you get sandbags, secure any items near the shoreline, ensure you have access to pumps and hoses, boots and hip waders. These are things to think about now, not if or when the water is at your door.


In the northern part of Ottawa River Basin there is still significant snowpack and ice on Lake Temiskaming so there is the potential of significant additional water on its way to the Lower Ottawa and if the next four days bring us close to or past what we saw last spring that leaves us with the very real potential of a significant event. With variables like perception and temperature at play it’s always best to be prepared and not need it rather than the other way around.


Please also visit the website of West Carleton Disaster Relief for information on being flood ready and other helpful information and links. https://www.westcarletonrelief.ca/


I will be meeting again with Public Works and Emergency and Protective Services staff along with West Carleton Disaster Relief this evening and will provide another update tomorrow morning.


Thursday April 16, 2026, Images:




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