May 30 Newsletter 2022

Update on hydro restoration efforts in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

Power has been restored to more than 95 per cent of Hydro Ottawa customers, following a major wind and thunderstorm, known as a derecho that created extreme damage and which has caused extensive and prolonged power outages in the City and throughout Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward on May 21. Approximately 8,000 customers remained without power as of Monday morning. 
 
The number of customers without power was originally around 180,000. Hydro Ottawa has described the widespread damage from the lightning and windstorm as worse than the 1998 ice storm and 2018 tornadoes. 

Some Ottawa roads remain affected by power outages, fallen debris, or both. Work is also underway to remove debris and other waste after the storm. 
 
Hydro Ottawa said today that they are committed to getting customers' energy back on at the very latest on Friday, June 3, 2022. They note that there may be instances where customers' property was damaged which will need to be repaired in advance of Hydro Ottawa safely reconnecting them to the electricity supply. Rest assured Hydro has a process to support their customers so that once the repairs are completed they can swiftly be reconnected.  
 
Temporary Repairs 

If you have had temporary repairs authorized by ESA in order to allow power to be restored, these repairs must be made permanent for safety reasons. If this applies to you, you should have received a letter from Hydro Ottawa or ESA informing you that you have 30 days to make any temporary repairs permanent. Please follow the four steps outlined above to have your repairs completed. 

Hydro Ottawa continues to work to restore power to all affected neighbourhoods in the Ward including Manor Park, Rockcliffe Park, Lindenlea, Overbrook, Castle Heights, Forbes, and Cummings communities. They continue to have success with partial restoration of service in Forbes as well as in Overbrook though restoration work still needs to be addressed on Trojan, Cummings, Paul Avenue, and Borthwick as well as portions of Wolffdale Crescent and Prince Albert Street in Overbrook. In Rockcliffe Park, Hydro Ottawa must undertake significant work to replace three transformers and two poles to restore power to 45 customers in Rockcliffe Park, including on Placel Road, Lakeway Drive, Blenheim, and other nearby streets.  In Manor Park, Dunvegan Road, Kilbarry Crescent, and other nearby streets still require restoration.
 
I have been aware of the power outage at the senior home on Wilson Street and visited the site last week. I asked City staff to follow up directly with the seniors' home and they informed me that Ottawa Fire Services and Ottawa Public Health have and continue to undertake multiple visits and follow-ups at the long-term care home. Ottawa Community Housing reports that only one remaining site without total or partial power in its entire portfolio remains at 492, 500 and 562 Prince Albert Street in Overbrook. OCH staff is working Hydro to facilitate the restoration of power. 
 

Restoration of Hydro Ottawa Outage Map 
The Hydro Ottawa Outage Map (outages.hydroottawa.com) will be reinstated for public access tonight at 8pm. This map has been updated with estimated restoration times for all outages relating to the storm.  

 
Power Restoration Report from Hydro Ottawa 
 
Hydro Ottawa is asking customers to report downed power lines or outages, through its 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188 or report it online. This will ensure that the outage is automatically tied to your residence and that Hydro crews who are working 24x7 to restore the city are notified immediately. 
 
Hydro Ottawa has provided the report below. They note that the information is not exhaustive and is subject to change. 

 
Hydro Ottawa reviewed major circuits serving Ward 13 and has identified 5 circuits that still have outstanding customer outages. Please find an update on some key findings for Ward 13 as of 3:00 pm on May 30, 2022.   
 
This summary does not reflect all circuits and customers in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward but provides a representation of the current situation. The information provided continues to change as restoration efforts progress.  In some cases, circuits cross wards which also affects the accuracy of customer counts assigned in Ward 13. 

• ~ 2,031 customers on 5 circuits 
• ~ 288 are still without power on circuits that have not been fully restored  

As Hydro Ottawa restores its major circuits, there will likely be a significant number of homes that will still not be connected and will require additional support.  

*This is not an all-inclusive list of streets served by these circuits 

Restoration Update: 

• ~ 130 customers in the Forbes area West of Aviation Parkway and South of Montreal Road and Parts of Vanier South area restored at 11:00PM on May 29th. 

There are a few areas in your ward that have an estimated restoration date of June 3rd (Friday). Crews are active in the area and as such you will be seeing customers coming on in each of the areas each day. The last parts of the circuits will be fully energized by Friday. 

  
Services at City facilities 

Many City recreational facilities and community centres will be open for normal programming and residents can visit them to charge devices and use washrooms and showers, including St-Laurent Complex (525 Cote St, Ottawa ON K1K0Z8)and the Overbrook Community Centre (33 Quill Street, Ottawa ON K1K 4E7). 
 
 

Coping with extreme heat at home during a power outage 

Keep your home cool 

• Close all blinds and drapes on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open. 
• Install temporary window reflectors between windows and drapes, such as aluminium foil covered cardboard. This will help reflect heat back outside. 

Keep yourself cool 

• Stay out of the sun and spend time on the lowest floor of your home where it is cooler. Spend at least two hours a day in a cool environment to cool your body during extreme heat. 
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Eat small light meals. 
• Take frequent cool showers or baths. 
• If you cannot shower or bath easily, sponge often with cool wet towels. Focus on cooling the back of the neck, under the arms and groin area. Soak feet and hands in a basin of cool water. 
• Dress in light and loose fitting clothing. 
• Avoid unnecessary strenuous work or activity outside, especially between 10 and 4 p.m. If work must be done, take frequent water breaks in the shade. 
• Talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are taking medications or if you are feeling unwell. Some medications make it harder for your body to control its temperature. Make sure to consult with your doctor if you are on a restricted fluid intake. 

Stay connected and help others 

• Keep in daily contact with friends and family to let them know how you are feeling. Ask for help if the hot weather is making you feel uncomfortable. 
• Check on family, friends and neighbours who may need help coping with the heat, especially those who live alone. People with physical and mental disabilities will need assistance keeping cool. 
• Never leave people or pets in a parked car, even with the windows open. The temperature will rise dangerously in only a few minutes.