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.

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 for the Monday April 20, 2026 waste collection

For residents of Sullivan Point Road and Gull Road for the Monday April 20, 2026 waste collection please bring your containers to the intersection of Gull Road and Sullivan Point Road.

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

Posted on Friday April 22nd, 12:00 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, April 29, 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 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.

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 22, 2026 at 12:00 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, April 29, 2026.

Recent warm weather and precipitation have resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with 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

Posted by the Ottawa River Regulating Planning Board on April 22, 2026 

River Conditions Forecast
Last Update: 2026-04-22 4:44 PM
Next Update: 2026-04-23 4:15 PM
Water levels and flows have stabilized between Pembroke and Lake Deschenes and are stabilizing between Gatineau-Hull and Carillon at levels 5 to 15 cm below peaks experienced on May 4 and 5, 2023. With moderate temperatures forecast and no major precipitation expected in the next few days, spring runoff from the central unregulated portion of the basin is expected to gradually decrease over the coming week. During the same period, increasing spring runoff from the partially regulated Abitibi-Timiskaming area will gradually make its way down the main stem of the Ottawa River, with water levels and flows between Mattawa and Pembroke expected to continue increasing until they stabilize later on. Minor flood levels in Mattawa could be exceeded starting tomorrow afternoon (Thursday). Our website Forecasts section provides expected water levels over a four-day horizon in several areas. Note that uncertain weather factors and measurements of basin conditions play into preparing forecasts. The rate of decline in flows and levels from Lake Coulonge to Carillon over the coming weeks will depend on weather. Risk of further increase in levels in late April and early May due to high spring runoff from the northern portion of the basin is higher from Mattawa to Lake Coulonge.

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

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.