Flooding 2023: update from Municipality of Mansfield

Flooding 2023: update from Municipality of Mansfield

The Municipality of Mansfield-et-Pontefract is continuing to keep a close eye on the water levels of both the Coulonge and Ottawa Rivers, after declaring a state of emergency due to the spring flooding yesterday (April 19). The conditions expected for this weekend are uncertain and could lead to serious dangers.

Here are the roads in Mansfield that have been flooded:

La Chute (closed north of the Terry Fox Bridge)

Rapides (Closed but detour route open this morning)

Nault (Closed)

Laporte (Passable)

Leonard (Closed)

Spirit (Closed/Private)

Several other streets could follow in the coming hours according to Mansfield officials.

As of April 20, here are the conditions on the two rivers that are monitored:

Coulonge River:

Flow: 588 m3/s

Level at White Bridge: 109.96M

Currently some residences affected and others in imminent risk.

Flooded Roads (Rapides, Chute, Neault, Laporte).

Forecast: Flow and level are down since this morning.

Ottawa River:

Level: 108.07M

Currently no residence affected but some in imminent risk, several cottages are flooded or close.

Flooded roads: Léonard, Félix, Thomas-Lefebvre (flooded on one side but passable), and others under surveillance.

Expectation of 108.05M for Friday/Saturday, rising levels.

Volunteers needed

Municipal officials state that they still need help from volunteers to fill sandbags, and noted that students from École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge had been a big help. The municipal council is asking residents not to remove their sandbags yet, because the precipitation announced at the end of the week could change the situation. “It is better to be ready for any eventuality,” said Mayor Sandra Armstrong.