Water levels on Ottawa River expected to peak as spring flood concerns grow

GATINEAU — Dozens of homes and streets are at risk of flooding as water levels on the Ottawa River are predicted to rise this morning by roughly 30 centimetres.

Emergency officials in Gatineau, Que., have said 164 homes are at risk of flooding and 41 streets are closed as crews respond to the threat.

The city is among several communities in Quebec and Ontario watching closely as renewed rain forecasts put pressure on flood-prone areas.

Environment Canada also issued a storm surge warning for Quebec City, warning of higher than normal water levels along river banks at today’s high tide for the St. Lawrence.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has said flooding has become an “increasingly common occurrence” in her province due to climate change.

Elsewhere, some parts of northeastern Ontario, such as West Nipissing and Central Manitoulin, and central Ontario’s Minden Hills are under states of emergency, where officials are asking residents to prepare for possible evacuations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press