An Ottawa River Flood Plain information sheet has been prepared to provide a summary of the various policies and provisions in the Township Official Plan and Zoning By-law as they relate to development along the Ottawa River and in particular related to the flood plain. Additional information and alternate formats are also available by contacting the Township Planning Department

The elevations to guide new development along the Ottawa River were provided through the Flood Damage Reduction Program (FDRP). A copy of the report is available from the Township Office upon request.

There are also a variety of stakeholders involved with the Ottawa River.

Download the Ottawa River Flood Plain Information Sheet

Please go to Flooding Information and Resources for more information about local resources.  Also see this Flood Preparation and Recovery document from the County of Renfrew for more flooding safety precautions for well and septic systems and other local resources that people can access.

Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB)

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board was established in 1983 by the governments of Canada, Quebec, and Ontario to ensure integrated management of the principal reservoirs of the Ottawa River Basin. The goal of this integrated management is to minimize the impacts of floods and droughts along the Ottawa River and its tributaries, particularly in the Montreal Region, while maintaining the beneficial water uses such as hydro-electric energy production and preserving statutory or environmental levels and discharges in respect of other interests.

The Planning Board also ensures that relevant hydrological information, for example forecasts of river flows and levels along the Ottawa River, is made available to the public and government organizations. For more information see the ORRPB website.

Information on Ontario Power Generation (OPG) operations on the Ottawa River can be found on their website.

As there is no Conservation Authority in the stretches of the Ottawa River through Renfrew County, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) plays a greater role along with local municipalities in the implementation of flood plain regulations. Additional information on local conditions is available from the MNR surface water monitoring centre website.

Spring Freshet Updates/ Flood Warnings

Special notice for residents of Sullivan Point Road and Gull Road waste collection

Until further notice, residents on Sullivan Point Road and Gull Road, should continue to bring their waste collection and recycling materials to the intersection of Sullivan Point Road and Gull Road for pick-up on Mondays. Please watch Township social media (website and Facebook) or contact the Township office for further information on waste collection.

Posted by the Ottawa River Regulating Planning Board on May 5th, 2026

River Conditions Forecast

Last Update: 2026-05-05 3:56 PM

Next Update: 2026-05-06 4:15 PM

Spring runoff is slowly decreasing in the northern part of the basin with the melting of the last patches of snow and recent rain. Water levels and flows on the Ottawa River from Mattawa to Pembroke are starting to decline slowly, while levels downstream, from Lake Coulonge to the Montreal Region, continue to decrease. Over the next week, as no major rainfall is forecast on the northern part of the basin, water levels and flows are expected to continue declining gradually from Mattawa to the Montreal Region. However, because large volumes of water continue to come from the northern part of the basin, water levels along the main stem of the river are expected to remain generally high over the next week. The northern part of the basin will remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall in the coming weeks; therefore, further increases in water levels from Mattawa to Lake Coulonge due to high spring runoff cannot be ruled out.

Check out Latest News for hydrological forecast for Spring Freshet 2026.  Also please check out the forecasts for the region - Ottawa River Forecasts

Posted on May 5, 2026, 3:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Natural Resources– Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect for areas along the Ottawa River most noticeably from Pembroke to Arnprior through Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (if not updated/replaced)
Recent rainfall combined with warm temperatures has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will result in high water conditions as the freshet runoff moves through the system. This combined effect has caused the water levels and flows of the Ottawa River to rise significantly and may continue to remain above flood levels in flood prone locations
throughout the week and into next week. Although levels have started to plateau and decrease in some areas, the potential for flooding still exists.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past, should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions, further
updates will be issued as appropriate.

>>Read the Full Bulletin

Posted on April 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook remains in effect for inland areas of Renfrew County through Wednesday, May 06, 2026.

Recent warm weather and precipitation have resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will result in continued high water conditions as the freshet runoff moves through the system.

Although no widespread flooding is expected at this time, water levels and flow in the inland areas of Renfrew County will remain elevated, and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

>>Read the Full Bulletin

Sandbags

Sandbagging is an effective flood-fighting tool if its done correctly.  Please read the How to Sandbag document which provides guidance on filling sandbags, placement, and transportation to ensure effectiveness in floodwaters.  Proper usage and contingency planning are crucial for minimizing damage.

To request sandbags and sand or to report an issue regarding flooding, please call the Township Office at 613-735-6291 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, or if you have an emergency need for empty sandbags or if sand stockpile is depleted after hours, on weekends or holidays, contact the Township after- hours emergency number at 613-735-6070 or 1-855-539-7611.