WEST CARLETON – The City of Ottawa is still waiting for high water to recede before beginning the recovery process staff announced today (May 17).

“Although water levels are anticipated to go down slightly over the long weekend, the City of Ottawa will not begin recovery operations until water levels have receded a significant amount,” city staff released in a statement today. “Until then, residents are urged to leave sandbag walls intact and keep flood and construction debris away from the road.”

Removing sandbags and flood debris from property prematurely can impede flood response operations which are ongoing.

Closure of Bayview Drive between 624 to 963 remains in effect.

“To protect the state of flood-affected roads, only local traffic is permitted,” staff said. “Commercial vehicles are not allowed, even if invited by local residents. Individual insurance adjusters invited by residents can access the site by foot only.”

Once the recovery process has begun, the city will announce:

• A new callout for volunteers
• Instructions for managing all flood related waste

Other reminders:

• Keep boats away from flooded communities
• Please stay off the Ottawa River in and around the areas impacted by the recent floods. Boating close to shore may cause wakes which contribute to additional damage to homes and flood barriers.
• Leave electrical work to professionals

“If your power has been disconnected, contact an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Inspector,” city staff said. “Each home will have to be assessed before being reconnected by Hydro One. Homes that have experienced more serious flooding will have to hire a licensed electrical contractor. Residents should hire only a licensed electrician and avoid door-to-door salespeople. Hydro One and the ESA are responsible for restoring power and have more information about how to reconnect your home including a list of licensed electrical contractors in your area.”

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.