Current emergencies and flood warnings
The Province of Ontario has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarions (DRAO) program for parts of the City of Ottawa, Whitewater Region, and Laurentian Valley for the Ottawa River Flood that occurred on May 3, 2023. For details on eligibility, affected property owners should visit their website. This program is administered by the Province and therefore questions on the DRAO program should be directed to Provincial representatives by calling 1-877-822-0116 or emailing DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca and not the Township.
Spring freshet updates / flood warnings |
May 19, 2023 - Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Pembroke District May 12, 2023 - Township of Laurentian Valley - Flood 2023 Update May 4, 2023 - Updated ORRPB forecast and summary: Between 45 and 90 mm of precipitation fell over the basin from Saturday April 29 to Wednesday May 3 causing flows and levels to increase rapidly on the main stem of the Ottawa River. Levels and flows have peaked at Mattawa and Pembroke but are expected to continue rising elsewhere. Levels are expected to peak tomorrow at Lake Coulonge and on Friday from Chats Lake down to the Hawkesbury / Grenville area. Levels should remain below the historic levels of 2019 (by as much as: 25-35 cm in Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, and Lake Deschenes; and 40-50 cm along the reach between Ottawa / Gatineau and the Hawkesbury / Grenville area). Please refer to the forecast section of our website for more information about the expected peak levels. Water levels and flows are expected to stabilize over the weekend and should start to decline slowly next week with the return of sunny and drier weather. Reservoirs in the northern part of the watershed, which are being used to store runoff and minimize flooding downstream, are rapidly filling. Once reservoirs are full, they will have little capacity to reduce river flows in downstream areas. Levels will therefore remain susceptible to further rise should additional significant rainfall occur over the coming few weeks. |
Sandbag collection management and debris flood impacted residents only |
The Township has developed a comprehensive plan for dealing with the cleanup process related to the 2023 Flooding Event. Below are details on the plan and processes in place to assist impacted residents with managing flood related debris. SandbagsThere are approximately 25,000 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 currently in the process of recruiting a Contractor to collect all sandbags including those on 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 Trgovcevic, Public Works Administrative Assistant. The Township will be coordinating the process with the Contractor and confirming the timing. 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. Flood damaged itemsHousehold Hazardous Waste (paint cans, batteries, propane cylinders) and Electronic Waste (TV’s, is not accepted and must be taken to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. Tires must also be taken to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. There is no charge to drop off these items at the OVWRC. There is also a Special Environmental Day in the City of Pembroke on June 3 , 2023 at the Pembroke & Area Community Centre (Pem Ice 2), Enter off Boundary Road, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is free and open to residents from Laurentian Valley. Additional information is also available from the Renfrew County & District Health Unit about handing food after a flood by calling 613-735-8654 or checking their website www.rcdhu.com Special Large Item CollectionAs a reminder, the Spring large item collection day has been scheduled for the week of May 28, 2023. All materials must be properly sorted and placed curbside no later than Sunday May 28, 2023. Wood debrisWood debris from properties is to be placed beside your driveway, away from the travelled portion of the road. This includes trees/branches that may have washed ashore with the high water levels, as well as, damaged decking, fencing or dock materials. All wood must be free of plastic, ropes and other foreign materials. The Township will arrange for the curbside collection of the wood materials. All wood materials must be set out by Sunday May 28, 2023. For more information, please contact:
Notice Issued by Lauree Armstrong, MCIP, RPP, Township Planner/CEMC on May 19, 2023. |
Coronavirus – COVID-19 information |
The Township of Laurentian Valley is continuing to monitor the situation regarding the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the guidance of the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU), the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada. Throughout this pandemic, the Township's goal is to safeguard the continuity of Laurentian Valley services that support the safety and well-being of our residents while ensuring the health and safety of our employees. Residents are encouraged to follow the guidance and protocols of our local experts in Public Health. The Township is taking actions to help protect the health of our community and prevent the spread of the virus. During these times it is important that residents ensure they are receiving the most accurate information as false information can help the virus spread. It is important to stop COVID misinformation as false information hampers public health responses, creates confusion and distrust, and ultimately makes it more difficult for people to make vital decisions about their health and safety. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on COVID-19 in Laurentian Valley, regularly check the website and other social media messaging from the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU). The RCDHU has information on testing for COVID-19 as well as the Vaccination process. For additional information on COVID-19 also visit the Province of Ontario website and Government of Canada website. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please monitor this page for updates. Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RCVTAC)The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre is a new pandemic healthcare service to reduce the demand on Emergency Departments and provide Renfrew County residents, who do not have a family physician or cannot access their family physician, with the appropriate level of care when they have any health concern (including concerns related to COVID-19). Visit RCVTAC's website for more information or call 1-844-727-6404 and have your OHIP card ready. |
Emergency preparedness
Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Make sure your home and business are prepared in the event of an emergency. All levels of government have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and response. But emergency preparedness starts with the individual.
Knowing the risks and developing practical plans can help reduce fear and aid in recovery from an emergency situation. Ensuring business continuity, protecting information and updating emergency plans are all crucial in assuring community preparedness. Every household should be prepared to take care of itself for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.
Emergency preparedness for seniors and people with disabilities |
If you are a Senior or a person with disabilities there are additional things to think about when preparing for an emergency. Emergency Management Ontario has prepared some specific information geared to Seniors and People with Disabilities. Check out the various information on the Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) website Guides are also available in French and over 20 other languages that you can share with people in your life who do not speak English so that you can help make sure they also understand about preparing for an emergency. |
Emergency preparedness for pets |
Please visit our Pet Winter + Emergency Care page for more information |
Seasonal preparedness tips |
Preparing an emergency kit for your carSlippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold: these are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. Winter also brings an increased risk of getting stuck in your car, so dress warmly before heading out. Follow these tips to learn about winter driving risks and prepare an emergency kit for your car.
Exercise extra caution when driving in these winter road conditions:
Follow these tips if you are stuck in the snow:
SOURCE: Public Safety Canada, in cooperation with Transport Canada. |
Prepare an emergency kit
You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least the first 72 hours (3 days) of an Emergency. Start by preparing an emergency kit and an emergency plan for your family.
How to prepare an emergency kit |
A kit can easily be prepared by collecting certain items you already have around your house into one bag or container that is in a location that is easy to grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. Many of the other items you can find inexpensively at a dollar store. Emergency kits make great gifts too so you can buy or find a special carry bag or plastic storage container and then head out to a dollar store or other store to find many of the items to fill the kit. Remember your emergency survival kit should be unique to your household and what your household needs are. For example, do you have a baby, a person with disabilities or special medical needs, do you have pets? The Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management Ontario (OFMEM) website contains useful tips and information on what to do to prepare for special situations such as persons with special needs or pets. Also think about special items that would be important to you or provide comfort to your family members. Items such as: a book; small toy; colouring book and crayons; a family photo or flash drive with family photos. Your emergency survival kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency. The following list is broken down into the essentials, items you may need to meet your family's unique needs, and items to have ready in case you have to leave your home. |
What to put in your survival kit - essentials |
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What to put in your survival kit – special considerations |
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What to put in your survival kit – extra supplies for evacuation |
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Prepare an emergency car kit |
Always have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car. A basic car kit should contain the following:
Items to keep in your trunk:
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Other tips |
A weather radio is also a useful investment and there are many inexpensive types that do the job and can keep you aware when severe weather may occur or is about to happen. |
You can download our helpful checklist from this website or contact the Township office for more information. You can also make use of the information on the Province of Ontario's website and the Government of Canada website.
Create an Emergency Plan
Do you know what do in a tornado, flood or winter storm? Do you have everything you need during a major emergency?
Emergency Management Ontario has an easy online tool that will help you create an Emergency Preparedness Action Plan for your family or household. Your completed plan will:
- List the specific steps you need to take to get prepared
- Provide tips on hazards that might affect your community
- Include information related to special needs you may have (for example, information for people with disabilities and pet owners)
Reach out to neighbours, family and friends who may be vulnerable or unable to support themselves during an emergency. Get to know your neighbours who might need help in an emergency and make sure that you or someone on your street is partnered with them to make sure they are okay in an emergency.
You can't predict an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Take action today!
Flooding
Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada and the most dangerous in Ontario in terms of property damage, civil disruption and even death. Floods are typically caused by seasonal melting snow, ice jams, heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms. Flash flooding is often caused by violent rain storms or breaking dams, and usually occurs with little or no advance warning. When you are building your family emergency plan review and discuss the safety tips related to flooding with your entire household to make sure everyone understands what to do.
Please go to Ottawa River Floodplain for more information on these zones.
The Province of Ontario has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarions (DRAO) program for parts of the City of Ottawa, Whitewater Region, and Laurentian Valley for the Ottawa River Flood that occurred on May 3, 2023. For details on eligibility, affected property owners should visit their website. This program is administered by the Province and therefore questions on the DRAO program should be directed to Provincial representatives by calling 1-877-822-0116 or emailing DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca and not the Township.
Spring freshet updates / flood warnings |
May 19, 2023 - Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Pembroke District May 12, 2023 - Township of Laurentian Valley - Flood 2023 Update May 4, 2023 - Updated ORRPB forecast and summary: Between 45 and 90 mm of precipitation fell over the basin from Saturday April 29 to Wednesday May 3 causing flows and levels to increase rapidly on the main stem of the Ottawa River. Levels and flows have peaked at Mattawa and Pembroke but are expected to continue rising elsewhere. Levels are expected to peak tomorrow at Lake Coulonge and on Friday from Chats Lake down to the Hawkesbury / Grenville area. Levels should remain below the historic levels of 2019 (by as much as: 25-35 cm in Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, and Lake Deschenes; and 40-50 cm along the reach between Ottawa / Gatineau and the Hawkesbury / Grenville area). Please refer to the forecast section of our website for more information about the expected peak levels. Water levels and flows are expected to stabilize over the weekend and should start to decline slowly next week with the return of sunny and drier weather. Reservoirs in the northern part of the watershed, which are being used to store runoff and minimize flooding downstream, are rapidly filling. Once reservoirs are full, they will have little capacity to reduce river flows in downstream areas. Levels will therefore remain susceptible to further rise should additional significant rainfall occur over the coming few weeks. |
Sandbag collection management and debris flood impacted residents only |
The Township has developed a comprehensive plan for dealing with the cleanup process related to the 2023 Flooding Event. Below are details on the plan and processes in place to assist impacted residents with managing flood related debris. SandbagsThere are approximately 25,000 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 currently in the process of recruiting a Contractor to collect all sandbags including those on 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 Trgovcevic, Public Works Administrative Assistant. The Township will be coordinating the process with the Contractor and confirming the timing. 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. Flood damaged itemsHousehold Hazardous Waste (paint cans, batteries, propane cylinders) and Electronic Waste (TV’s, is not accepted and must be taken to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. Tires must also be taken to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. There is no charge to drop off these items at the OVWRC. There is also a Special Environmental Day in the City of Pembroke on June 3 , 2023 at the Pembroke & Area Community Centre (Pem Ice 2), Enter off Boundary Road, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is free and open to residents from Laurentian Valley. Additional information is also available from the Renfrew County & District Health Unit about handing food after a flood by calling 613-735-8654 or checking their website www.rcdhu.com Special Large Item CollectionAs a reminder, the Spring large item collection day has been scheduled for the week of May 28, 2023. All materials must be properly sorted and placed curbside no later than Sunday May 28, 2023. Wood debrisWood debris from properties is to be placed beside your driveway, away from the travelled portion of the road. This includes trees/branches that may have washed ashore with the high water levels, as well as, damaged decking, fencing or dock materials. All wood must be free of plastic, ropes and other foreign materials. The Township will arrange for the curbside collection of the wood materials. All wood materials must be set out by Sunday May 28, 2023. For more information, please contact:
Notice Issued by Lauree Armstrong, MCIP, RPP, Township Planner/CEMC on May 19, 2023. |
Flooding information and resources |
A variety of resources exist through the Renfrew County & District Health Unit, the Province, Government of Canada and agencies such as the Canadian Red Cross on what to do before, after and during a flood. This includes what to do about your well and septic system, electrical safety and mental wellness. The following are links to these other websites with information and tips related to flooding.
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Township of Laurentian Valley flooding event response level of service policy |
Township to provide sand and bags and tiered response based on the number of sandbags issued and number of properties impacted
Approach to sandbags and sand supplyThe Township of Laurentian Valley will supply sand and sandbags at identified sandbag depot locations throughout the Municipality at no charge. Township Staff would ensure protection of municipal infrastructure only, and would not be responding to requests from private residents/property owners to deliver or place sandbags on private property. Township Staff would provide information on best practices to residents but would not commit Staff to complete the work. Individuals will need to make sure to arrange their own help through friends and family rather than relying on the Township to provide manpower.
Approach to sandbag disposalSandbag disposal would be dealt with as follows:
Approach to debris managementDebris Management which includes the clean-up of materials from flood damaged buildings and structures, as well as, outside debris that has floated in as a result of flooding including trees, wood and other products, will be dealt with as follows:
Wellness Checks and emergency response to properties with flooded accessOnce the access to a property/dwelling is flooded, an initial visit will be made to determine if the occupants need assistance to evacuate and then if they chose to stay they will be advised that emergency service access is compromised and that there is no guarantee that we will be able to get to them if something happens. The Township would not be able to do daily wellness checks due to the access limitations. In an Emergency Event, the Township will be working with the Red Cross and details would be provided should that occur on how to register with the Red Cross and specific procedures. The Township is working towards a single point of registration, which we anticipate would be the Red Cross and we would be asking everyone impacted by an emergency flood event to register and also to advise when they do evacuate and/or return to their property after initially evacuating that they also notify the Township which is anticipated will be through the Red Cross. |
Sandbagging tips |
To minimize flood water damage, sandbagging is one of the most versatile flood fighting tools. It is a simple, effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. Homeowners who are preparing homemade sandbags need to be aware of the proper steps to take:
Fill materials:Sand is by far the easiest material for filling and shaping sandbags and becomes heavier when saturated from rain or moisture.
Proper filling procedure:
Proper placement:
See the following diagrams for quick reference on estimating quantities needed and site design to ensure safety in large operations.
Photo Gallery: Sandbagging will appear here on the public site.
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Municipal511
Municipal511 is a comprehensive map-based road information communications and management service for municipal public works departments.
It also serves as a common operating picture (COP) for emergency response teams and management, that gets used during emergencies because is it used every day. The web app works on mobile phones, tablets, desktops, and display walls – all without having to install and maintain software.
The Township, the County of Renfrew and many area municipalities use the tool to share information on road closures due to construction or as a result of emergency situations. Check it before you head out. During emergencies, the Township also uses Municipal 511 to post information such as sandbag depot locations or other location specific information.
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