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 affected residents on Forest Park Rd, Sullivan Point Road, Gull Road, Harold Dr., Traxton Way, Beaver Creek Trail and Francie Lane - UPDATED

SANDBAGS

There are approximately 15,000 sandbags in various locations throughout the Township. The Township of Laurentian Valley will be providing assistance to residents with the collection of sandbags. The Township is working with a local Contractor, W.W. Siegel Sand & Gravel, to collect all sandbags including those from private property. Residents are responsible for placing filled sandbags at the end of their driveways for collection by the Contractor. It is important that residents contact the Municipality to arrange for the collection of the sandbags by speaking with Kendryck Stage, Public Works Administrative Assistant. The collection will take place during the week of June 22, 2026, and all sandbags must be set out by June 21, 2026. Please note that the Contractor will not collect any plastic, wood or other flood related debris. Residents are reminded that sandbags can potentially be contaminated with harmful bacteria from failed septic systems.
Bags should not be cut open or used for sandboxes, playgrounds, or other areas where direct contact with humans or animals may occur. The sand should not be disposed of in a wetland, waterway, floodplain, or other environmentally sensitive or protected area.
If you are handling flooded sandbags you are advised to use gloves, safety glasses and a dusk mask. Residents are reminded to wash their hands regularly.

LEAF & YARD WASTE COLLECTION

The Township has arranged for a special Leaf & Yard Waste Collection by Miller Waste. Materials are to be placed beside your driveway, away from the travelled portion of the road.
Leaf and Yard waste must be in open top, reusable containers, cardboard boxes or paper yard waste bags. Material in plastic bags including plastic bags claiming to be biodegradable or compostable will not be collected. Branches must not exceed 2 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length. Detailed guidelines and collection days can be found on your collection schedule.
This special one-time collection will occur on June 11, 2026 and materials are to be set out the day prior on June 10, 2026.

For full details, click here.

Please share this message with neighbours in the affected area. Thank you for your cooperation.

Posted by the Ottawa River Regulating Planning Board on May 21st, 2026

River Conditions Forecast

Last Update: 2026-05-21 3:35 PM

Next Update: 2026-05-26 4:00 PM

Water levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are stabilizing or increasing slightly following recent rainfall. Over the next few days, levels and flows should decline gradually or start stabilizing depending on locations. With no major precipitation in sight, water levels and flows are expected to decline more rapidly starting next week. However, over the next two weeks, conditions are expected to remain above average for this time of year at all locations due to the large volumes of water still coming from the north. This will be the last daily River Conditions Forecast message for the 2026 spring freshet; this service will be replaced with a weekly forecast, updated every Tuesday.

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 20, 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 from Pembroke to Arnprior, most noticeably in the Westmeath area, through Friday, May 22, 2026 (if not updated/replaced).

Water levels and flows from Pembroke to Arnprior have stabilized and are expected to continue declining. Spring runoff remains elevated in the northern part of the basin; however, conditions have generally stabilized. As runoff from the northern basin continues to move downstream, water levels will remain elevated along the main stem of the river.

Minor flood levels are expected to persist in some flood-prone areas most notably in the Westmeath region.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures, such as; protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes, 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

 

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.