Water levels on local rivers in Gatineau, Quebec are expected to reach their highest point on Monday as authorities closely monitor the ongoing flooding situation, the city officials reported.
Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette provided an update on Sunday morning, stating that the city now estimates 164 buildings and 41 roads are at risk of flooding, up from the previous count of 119 buildings and 33 roads at risk on Friday.
“We anticipate that water levels may reach the houses, potentially causing infiltrations inside. It is crucial for residents to prepare for this,” Marquis-Bissonnette emphasized.
According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s update on Saturday, water levels and flows are still increasing along the river’s main stem due to snowmelt and runoff from rainfall. Minor flood levels have already been surpassed in vulnerable areas between Pembroke, Ontario and Carillon, Quebec, with major flooding anticipated in the coming days.
The board is scheduled to provide another update on Sunday afternoon as the situation unfolds.
Marquis-Bissonnette reassured that water levels are not projected to exceed those witnessed during the 2023 floods and clarified that there is no recommendation for residents to evacuate their homes.
While evacuations have been carried out in other Quebec communities, including Mansfield-et-Pontefract along the Coulonge River, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Gatineau, Mayor Sandra Armstrong confirmed that around 70 individuals have been evacuated.
In the neighboring town of Fort-Coulonge, Mayor Pierre Cyr mentioned the construction of sand dykes on main streets and the protection of the sewage system with sand-covered manholes to manage the approaching floodwaters. Despite nearing historic levels, Cyr expressed optimism in avoiding damages similar to those experienced in 2019.
Environment Canada had earlier issued rainfall warnings for western Quebec, predicting up to 25 millimeters of rain over the weekend, which have now been lifted. However, Marquis-Bissonnette highlighted that the threat of flooding remains imminent as water levels are anticipated to stay elevated for the next couple of weeks, influenced by weather conditions.
Gatineau currently has four locations for sandbag pickups, with Lac Beauchamp Park now permitting flatbed trucks. The city emphasized that heavy machinery and non-standard vehicles are still restricted at other pickup points.