Local officials urge vigilance as river levels above normal

Local officials urge vigilance as river levels above normal

As this year’s spring freshet period on the Ottawa River and its tributaries flows on, local officials are working to keep their residents informed of the situation as the water rises. The memories of the flooding in 2017 and 2019 are fresh in many people’s minds with last week’s warm weather and rain spurring a bump in levels, though temperatures have cooled this week.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, whose mission is to integrate the management of the river, and publishes regular updates during the spring, states that levels are above normal for this time of year.

“Water levels and flows are expected to continue decreasing in all locations over the next few days,” a statement on March 25 states. “Later this weekend, weather bringing rain in the southern part of the basin and snow accumulation elsewhere could lead to an increase in spring runoff in the southern part of the basin.”

Mansfield Mayor Sandra Armstrong said that she’s aware how many people are feeling anytime the water rises rapidly, as she lost her home in the 2019 floods. She said that she and the municipal director have been touring the waterfront in their territory frequently and have urged residents to secure any belongings like docks or items that could be washed away.

Armstrong said that any residents with questions or concerns can contact her at 819-744-1660 or sandra@mansfield-pontefract.com.

Speaking last week after the MRC Pontiac council of mayors meeting, Warden Jane Toller said that their flood prevention task force is monitoring the situation closely.

For more information and updates on river levels, visit the ORRPB’s website.