Dear citizens,
The Ottawa River is expected to reach levels that could cause minor flooding in some areas. However, the situation could intensify by Monday, April 19, due to milder temperatures, recent precipitation, and the influx of water from snowmelt in the Temiskaming area. Colder temperatures expected starting Sunday should slow the snowmelt and the progression of the flood. The rain should stop around 22h00 tonight. No rain is expected until next Saturday.
As of April 18, at 7 p.m., Coulonge Lake was at 108.25 m. The forecast calls for a level of about 108.55 m on Tuesday, with Coulonge River outflows of up to 400 m³/s.
Our teams are fully mobilized and a notice to the population will be issued daily to keep you informed of the evolution of the situation.
We urge the public to exercise caution, including by:
- Clearing shoreline lands of any objects that could be washed away
- Taking the necessary steps to prepare for a possible aggravation
- Increased monitoring of children near waterways and flooded areas
NOTE THAT CENTENNIAL PARK AND PUMP TRACK ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
We also ask for your cooperation to avoid wasting drinking water until the end of the flood, to reduce pressure on the water treatment plant equipment. We also ask that you do not dispose of objects or cloth towels in toilets, as we cannot afford to lose a pump in our system.
Sand is available free of charge in the arena courtyard for filling sandbags. To obtain a desired quantity of bags, please contact 819-664-0301. Filling bags remains the responsibility of citizens.
We are counting on your vigilance and remain attentive to the situation to ensure everyone’s safety. For any additional information or danger reports, please contact the municipality.
April 28 2026, press release