Although rainfall of 10 to 15 mm was forecast for today, May 14 with an additional 5 to 10 mm of rain forecast for tomorrow, May 15, 2019, South Nation Conservation says that water levels along the lower Ottawa Valley from Chats Lake to the Grenville/Hawkesbury area have stabilized and will slowly recede in the coming weeks.
Residents are strongly urged to keep sandbags in place for at least the next two weeks. 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.
A flood warning remains in effect until Friday, May 17, 2019 at 5 p.m.
Clarence-Rockland says that at a special meeting on May 10, council adopted a recovery plan to address the removal of sandbags, construction debris and other waste goods from the affected flood zones. This strategy also addresses the restoration of affected roadways and the removal of contaminated materials once the floodwaters have subsided. More details will follow.
In the meantime, residents are asked to leave their sandbag walls in place. Municipal employees will continue to complete daily site visits until the river reaches a normal level.
Fundraiser for flood victims
Two citizens have organized a 12-hour concert/fundraiser for flood victims on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 1 p.m. at Club Powers/Chevaliers de Colomb building at 854 Giroux Street in Rockland.
Organizers Julie Filion and Eric Michael Hawks want to raise funds for the flood efforts. Called “Flood of Hope Concert”, the event includes a $10 supper (advance tickets), or supporters can pay $15 at the door. The meal includes pizza-ghetti with salad and dessert. The Masters of Ceremony for the event, which continues until 1 a.m,, are Derrick Scott of Jewel 92.5 FM and Stephanie Simard of TVC22. Artists scheduled to perform include: The Ring of Fire: A Johnny Cash Experience (from Hamilton, Ontario), Garbielle Goulet, Vanessa Lavoie, Quicksand, Robert Theriault, Crunchy Flowers, Yvan Petit, Bacon Tree, Martine Parisien and many other performers.
You can find the event on Facebook for more information.
South Nation Conservation (SNC) and its Ottawa partners, the Rideau Valley and Mississippi Valley Conservation Authorities, monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.
Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email [email protected], post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).
For more information regarding the Ottawa River, visit www.ottawariver.ca.
