April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023 - The Township’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met again today to discuss the issuance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Pembroke District issued a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Watch (April 17, 2023) and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) New Release (April 17). 

“The MNRF - Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the Ottawa River until Friday, April 21, 2023. Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River, for the area of Lac Coulonge (near Westmeath) … should consider the following: … Accounting for the combined effect of the rapid snowmelt and the on-going rain event, it is anticipated that the area will exceed the thresholds for the start of major flood levels along the Ottawa River at Lake Coulonge, and areas downstream (Chats Lake, and Lake Deschenes), starting Wednesday April 19.”

The ORRPB News Release states that “the Ottawa River Regulating Committee warns that levels and flows along the Ottawa River continue to rise rapidly due to on-going snowmelt combined with rain runoff in the central and southern portions of the basin. Major flood levels may be exceeded in flood prone areas along the river between Lake Coulonge and the Montreal region starting Wednesday, April 19. The major flood level is defined as the level at which one or several streets are beginning to flood, with several houses/buildings or neighbourhoods being affected. Water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River.”

The Township have deposited sand and sandbags at the following locations and will replenish, as necessary.  If additional sand or sandbags are needed, please contact 613-646-2282 (Option 0) on Mon. to Fri. from 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and after-hours emergency at 613-646-2282, Option 9.

  • Sunset Trail, McWitt Trail and Sandpoint Trail
  • Greenway Drive at Coulonge Lake Trail
  • Hilltop Drive

As the Township’s Fire and Public Works Department continue to monitor roads, Municipal511.ca (https://www.municipal511.ca/) is updated with road closures.  The Township advises residents in low lying areas affected by flooding that may restrict access by emergency services.