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

May 15, 2025 - Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Warning Pembroke District - Ottawa River

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a
Flood Watch will remain in effect for areas along the Ottawa River until Friday, May 16,
2025 (if not updated/replaced before that date).
While recent rainfall combined with warmer temperatures has melted most of the remaining
snow locally, snowpack remains through the northern portion of the Ottawa river watershed.
Continued snowmelt across the northern portions of the Ottawa River Basin combined with
recent precipitation has caused water levels on the Ottawa River to rise as the water works
its way through the system.
Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River and upstream of the confluence of any
tributaries should consider the following:
Minor flooding thresholds have been exceeded along the main stem of the Ottawa River
and are starting to show signs of decline. Major flooding thresholds are not anticipated to be exceeded
at this time however a close watch on the weather forecast is recommended as conditions
can change rapidly.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take
necessary precautions to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and
closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Weather forecast for the next 5 days suggest a total accumulation of 25-40mm. Some localized areas may see more precipitation if thunderstorms develop. Temperatures are expected to remain seasonal with highs in the high teens.
Description of Current Conditions

The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions.
Ottawa River levels and flows are expected to continue to decline. Flooding in low-lying areas remains possible, but those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect conditions to continue or start to improve. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

LEARN MORE

Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is
recommended.

Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Supervisor, 613-291-3613

ontario.ca/mnrf
Disponible en français

 

 

Sandbags

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 after hours or on weekends or holidays contact the Township after- hours emergency number at 613-735-6070 or    1-855-539-7611.

** Updated May 3, 2025.  Township residents/ property owners concerned about flooding who are wanting to proactively undertake sandbagging of their property may fill up sandbags at George Matheson Park.  Pre-filled sandbags are now available there as supplies last.

For more information, please contact:
Mark Behm, Public Works Manager, Township of Laurentian Valley
613-735-6291 ext. 216; or
Kendryck Trgovcevic, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Township of Laurentian Valley 613-735-6291 ext. 209