Back to SearchThe City of Clarence-Rockland is proactively preparing for potential flooding along the Ottawa River. Municipal protection services are ready, and key equipment has already been pre-positioned at strategic locations across the municipality.
"The safety of our residents is our top priority," said Mayor Mario Zanth during today's press conference. "We are ready to respond quickly."
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board has advised that rain and warmer temperatures could push water levels above minor flood thresholds starting this weekend. Water levels are already rising and will continue to do so over the coming week.
Mayor Zanth also called attention to ongoing issues with water management along the river. "Despite weeks of low water flow — a perfect opportunity to lower levels — no action was taken. Municipalities like ours are left to manage the impacts," he said. Last month, I met with Hydro-Québec to push for more proactive water management — moving water earlier to lower the risks for communities like ours. Unfortunately, not enough was done, and once again, municipalities are left to face the impacts.
He also stressed the need for municipal representation on the Ottawa River Planning Board and confirmed that Clarence-Rockland has the support of 28 municipalities seeking federal action.
Flood events in 2017, 2019, and 2023 cost the City nearly $2 million. Clarence-Rockland is pushing for the creation of an Ottawa River Challenge Area under the Canadian Safety and Security Program to fund studies and improve future flood management.
"We are ready to act locally and advocate for real, lasting change," concluded Mayor Zanth.
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