May 24 Newsletter 2022

Update on hydro restoration efforts in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

As crews with the City and Hydro Ottawa continue to work to clean up debris and restore power, many residents are still without power and may need support to get through the coming days. Below, residents can find information on what City services have been impacted by the storm, and how services and support can be accessed if needed.

Councillor King is working with City staff, Councillor Fleury, and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre to coordinate the provision of meals, hot showers, and electrical charging facilities to Overbrook and Manor Park residents.  He is also working with Hydro Ottawa to have more detailed information provided to residents concerning power restoration throughout the Ward.  He expects to be able to make announcements tomorrow as resources come into place to address the fallout from the storm.

City services impacted by severe thunderstorm 

These City services are currently impacted due to the severe thunderstorm in Ottawa. 

Residents are reminded to stay off the roads as much as possible. By minimizing travel, you help keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. Visit ottawa.ca for the latest updates on the severe thunderstorm. 

Support for residents in need 

• The City has opened several Emergency Reception Centres where residents can access power and services, such as showers, washrooms and charging mobility devices. The centres are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Visit ottawa.ca for more information and locations. 
• To support residents on home oxygen therapy and who are not able to be serviced in time by their current provider, VitalAire will support residents with Medical Oxygen needs and device recharging at the following reception centres. Please bring equipment (oxygen concentrator or portable oxygen concentrator) and a copy of your prescription to ensure you know your oxygen delivery litre flow: 
  • Howard Darwin Centennial Arena, at 1765 Merivale Road 
  • François Dupuis Recreation Centre, at 2263 Portobello Boulevard 
• For mental health services and supports, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca. 
• Residents in need can call 2-1-1 for information on government and local community-based health and social services. 

Emergency Reception Centres 

The following emergency reception centres are open today from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for residents in need.  

The following facilities offer power for charging devices, showers, washrooms, food and Red Cross: 

• Bernard-Grandmaître Arena, at 309 McArthur Road (Wifi available) 

To support residents on home oxygen therapy and who are not able to be serviced in time by their current provider, supplier will support residents with Medical Oxygen needs and device recharging at the following reception centres: 

• Howard Darwin Centennial Arena, at 1765 Merivale Road 
• François Dupuis Recreation Centre, at 2263 Portobello Boulevard 

Locations and hours are subject to change based on community needs. Please monitor the City’s social media channels for the latest information.   

Food Security 

Emergency operations  are working with Community and Social Services Department through their network of community partners to address food security issues.  A range of stakeholders have been meeting daily to ensure that food is provided to those in need.  For example, the Ottawa Food Bank’s food hampers are being stocked with food that can be used to make a meal for those without power. They are also distributing gift certificates through their networks. Food for Thought and the Mission are providing hot meals to Ottawa Community Housing buildings.  The Champlain Community Support Network continues to support seniors who are isolated and without power. These are just a few of the examples of the work that partners are doing to support those most vulnerable in our community. 

Debris Management  

City crews will provide enhanced collection of organics and residents with storm-related materials in the following wards are advised to set out their green bins for collection, Ward 6 – Stittsville, Ward 9 – Knoxdale-Merivale, Ward 16 – River and Ward 19 – Cumberland.  

The City has set up several sites where residents will have ongoing access to organic waste dumpsters which are ready for use at Navan Memorial Centre, CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre, Howard Darwin Centennial Arena, Walter Baker Sports Centre and Minto Recreation Complex.  The City’s landfill at the Trail Waste Facility (4475 Trail Road) is also offering extended hours to accommodate special collections and will waive tipping fees for residents with storm-related materials to support residents with their disposal needs.  

City crews are also working to remove tree branches and yard waste, but it will take several weeks before the cleanup is finished. If such debris is small enough, residents should bring it to curb for collection, provided it does not impede the roadway or pedestrian access. 

Preparing for Tomorrow 

For safety, residents are encouraged to please stay home today and tomorrow, if feasible. Operations are underway citywide to re-open arterial roadways and restore traffic infrastructure. Road closures and traffic impacts are still expected across Ottawa.  Essential services will continue to operate. 

City offers emergency financial food aid for residents in need affected by power outages 

If you were affected by the power outage and need financial help, you may complete an application for emergency assistance for loss of food and in exceptional circumstances for help with medication, medical supplies or personal care.  

How do I apply? 

Applications for emergency assistance are completed online or over the phone.  

• Go to the online application for emergency assistance  
• Or call 3-1-1, select 1 for English or 2 for French and 4 for Social Services 
• City staff will complete an assessment to see if you qualify 
• If you are already in receipt of Ontario Works, please call your case worker directly 

Other food support 

The City has opened many emergency reception centres, providing washrooms, showers, a place to charge devices, WiFi access and some offer food as well. For the latest locations and times, visit the City’s Storm Recovery webpage. You can also call 2-1-1 for a list of emergency food services. 

Augmenting regular waste and green bin collection 

Councillor King has made inquiries to City staff to add more green bin collections this week to affected neighbourhoods in Rideau-Rockcliffe to deal with spoiled food disposal. 

The City’s landfill at the Trail Waste Facility (4475 Trail Road) is also offering extended hours to accommodate special collections and will waive tipping fees for residents with storm-related materials to support residents with their disposal needs.  

City crews are also working to remove tree branches and yard waste, but it will take several weeks before the cleanup is finished. If such debris is small enough, residents should bring it to curb for collection, provided it does not impede the roadway or pedestrian access.  

Stay off roads 

All residents are advised to stay off roads unless necessary. Any damaged area must be avoided. Road closures and traffic impacts are expected due to fallen trees and debris on roadways. Please follow Ottawa Traffic on Twitter for latest updates.  

Pool enclosures 

Residents who have a damaged fence or wall around an outdoor pool or hot tub are reminded to ensure the pool or hot tub does not present a drowning hazard. Please take reasonable steps to secure the area. You can find more information under the City's construction fencing by-law. 

Additional Supports and Resources 

African Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre  

The African Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre is open to support residents recovering from this weekend’s storm. The centre wishes to fully support the community through their ongoing services, especially their Wednesday Food Cupboard that is open 1pm to 4pm. Residents who are in urgent need of food supplies, toiletries, and COVID-19 rapid antigen tests can access them at the centre. Additionally, the centre is offering their space for residents in need of power to charge their devices. The ACB Wellness Resource Centre is located at #9 – 1021 Cyrville Road, Gloucester, ON, K1J 7S3. Contact: (613) 801-7426 or [email protected]. 

Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre 

Emergency Food Bank  

Emergency Food Bank is open. Operating by appointment only. Rideau-Rockcliffe's Emergency Food Bank serves community members from postal codes K1K and some K1M & K1G. To book an appointment, please call 613-745-0073 ext. 206 or 207: Monday between the hours of 9am to 4pm, Tuesday from 9am to 12pm, and Wednesday from 9am to 4pm. 

Phone Crisis Counselling/Interventions and Community Support 

Call 613-745-0073, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 12pm, 1pm to 4:30pm. 

Free Phone Charging Station 

Visit RRCRC at 815 St-Laurent Blvd. and knock on the window between 9:30am and 4pm to access the charging station.