We have now entered the eighth week of recovery efforts following the April 5 ice storm event. We are making progress but that progress is slower in the hardest-hit areas. As you will see below, we have been able to add another ward to the complete list this week, and many more are getting closer. We know there are areas we have yet to visit that have minimal damage and that we can clear those quickly when we get there. We are still a few weeks away from completing a single pass across the City and are targeting mid-June for completion. Public Works continues to operate under an emergency structure.
On-street chipping and debris collection
As of the morning of May 26, our crews have cleared 10,914 lane km of debris across the city, or 84% of our roads.
Here are our current completion numbers by ward:
- Kanata North –99% complete
- Rideau-Rockcliffe – 99% complete
- Stittsville – 98% complete
- Kanata South – 98% complete
- Orléans South-Navan – 97% complete
- College – 86% complete
- Gloucester-Southgate – 86% complete
- Knoxdale-Merivale - 81% complete
- Beacon Hill-Cyrville – 80% complete
- Rideau-Jock – 79% complete
- West Carleton-March – 77% complete
- River – 74% complete
- Orléans East-Cumberland – 72% complete
- Barrhaven East – 51% complete
- Barrhaven West – 47% complete
- Orléans West-Innes -- 44% complete
Complete
- Alta Vista
- Kitchissippi
- Bay
- Rideau-Vanier
- Somerset
- Riverside South-Findlay Creek
- Capital
- Osgoode
It is important to remember that all crews will do a single pass to collect storm-related debris. Should some smaller debris be left behind, we encourage and thank residents for collecting it and leaving it on the curb for regular leaf and yard waste removal. After the single pass is complete, it will be the homeowner’s responsibility to remove debris that is too large for the Leaf and Yard Waste Program, as was the practice prior to the April 5th storm.
Providing precise timelines and locations is challenging given that our crews do not always know the complexity of the cleanup at certain sites until they arrive. Residents are asked to place all their storm-related debris at the curb.
We will continue to spread our resources across the city until the work is complete. As we progress through the cleanup, there will be scheduling updates midweek. You will always be able to find the most up to date schedule here.
Free Woodchips (One site only)
We are nearing the end of our free woodchip initiative. Last week all sites were closed except for the one at the Navan Memorial Centre. Many locations need their space back for summer programming and with hotter temperatures on the way, the woodchip piles become a fire hazard if they are not turned over by staff.
Things to Note
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You can support our efforts by making use of the City’s Leaf and Yard Waste Program. Branches are to be tied in bundles of less than 1.2 m (4 ft.) in length and 60 cm (2 ft.) in width. Individual branches should be less than 10 cm (4 in.) in diameter. Dedicated leaf and yard waste collection began on May 15.
- The City is continuing its commitment to re-establishing the lost tree canopy by re-planting lost City trees. Residents who would like a tree replacement on the City’s right of way are encouraged to request it through the Trees in Trust program. Staff will continue to assess the loss of trees in City-owned parks before planning for their replacement.
Look Ahead
We will continue working safely and as efficiently as operationally possible to do a single pass in every neighbourhood within the city.
We appreciate the continued support as we progress through the cleanup.
