The City’s Spring Flood Taskforce is now monitoring water levels on the Rideau River, Ottawa River and their tributaries and is ready to respond to potential impacts from this spring’s melt. Situational updates will be provided on the City’s Spring flood page and the Spring flood 2026 Facebook Group page to help residents get the latest, most up-to-date information, including current road and pathway closures, sandbag filling locations, and other supports. The City also encourages residents to follow the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board and their local conservation authority: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
- The spring melt may also cause water pooling and urban flooding when combined with significant rainfall. Clearing snow and ice from nearby catch basins will help drain the water into the stormwater sewer system.
- Homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent basement flooding, such as sealing basement windows and disconnecting downspouts. Visit the City’s Basement flooding page for more preventative steps and what to do if your basement floods.
- The City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program now also offers rebates to eligible homeowners across Ottawa, including those in rural areas. This program makes it easier for all eligible homeowners to install protective plumbing devices, like sump pumps and backwater valves, to help safeguard their properties.
