Newsletter - April 6
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Stay up to date on the City’s cleanup efforts
Ice Storm and Power Outages
According to Hydro Ottawa, yesterday’s ice storm left more than 60,000 customers across Ottawa without service last night. There are also power outages facing a few thousand customers in our communities served by Hydro One.
Currently Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One estimate that most customers will have service restored by this evening, though the situation remains fluid and some outages will take longer to address. I am monitoring the situation in our Ward closely and am in regular communication with officials from energy distributors to do what I can to ensure that power is restored as quickly as possible.
What is being done
Crews from Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One are out in full force today to return power as quickly as possible. Restoration efforts last night were hampered by hazardous weather conditions, but with the weather having improved substantially, I have been assured that linemen are working extremely hard and efficiently toward returning service to customers throughout the City.
The City has moved into Enhanced Operations to support recovery efforts.
Traffic signals and Roads
There are multiple power outages throughout the City that may be affecting the operation of traffic signals. Please remember that a traffic signal without power should be treated as a four-way stop. Some roads remain closed or have traffic impacts as a result of the storm. Please use caution and abide by instructions provided by first responders and hydro crews.
Despite warming temperatures, roadways may remain hazardous for some time in some areas due to slick surfaces. The City’s Winter Road Maintenance team will be working throughout today and tonight to address remaining roadway issues, including in residential areas and side streets.
Downed Lines and Trees
Though lines are quickly being cleaned up, residents are reminded to not approach downed lines. Downed or damaged lines are extremely hazardous; if you spot an issue, call Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-0188, select option 5 for ‘other’ and then option 1 for ‘maintenance.’ You can also file a request online via your MyAccount customer portal if you are a Hydro Ottawa customer. Hydro One customers should call 1-800-434-1235 to report a downed or damaged wire.
The City’s Forestry Services have received over 600 requests for service in response to damage caused to trees, limbs, and brush following the storm. City staff are working actively to triage and address requests. If you spot downed or damaged trees or branches, residents are advised to contact 311 or to file a request online.
Spring Flooding and Drainage
The increased precipitation and quick thawing may have impacts for areas of our community, especially those that are on or near the floodplain. As always, residents should monitor updates from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
The City is also aware of drainage-related issues and are monitoring areas that are prone to localized flooding, pooling, and other drainage issues. Crews are being deployed to ensure that these issues are addressed, and residents are encouraged to contact 311 if they spot any issues.
Emergency Facilities
The City is making facilities available to residents facing power outages. If you need somewhere to get warm, charge your devices, and use washrooms, please consult this list of facilities that are open to residents. Please note, not all facilities have showers; if you want to find out if a particular facility has showers, residents are encouraged to call ahead.
Some facilities in and near our Ward that are open include:
- CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn / Complexe récréatif CARDELREC Goulbourn
- Eva James Memorial Community Centre / Centre commémoratif Eva-James
- Jack Charron Arena / Aréna Jack-Charron
- Kanata Recreation Complex
- Manotick Community Centre
- Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven
- Richmond Arena
- Walter Baker Sports Centre
For the full list, visit Post-storm cleanup
Ward Updates
Cleaning the Capital: Registration is open for the Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign. Cleanup projects will be taking place between April 15 and May 31. Keeps your eyes peeled for cleaning projects in your area or start your own! Learn more
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Upcoming Events
North Gower Easter Market: On April 8, between 8:30 and 2, the Alfred Taylor Community Centre in North Gower will be hopping with the Easter Market. There will be lots of vendors, new and old, with fabulous crafts, treats and food! Learn more
Munster Community Association AGM: The MCA Board has 13 positions that are elected at the annual general meeting being held on April 19, at 6:30 pm. Every position is a volunteer position and the board can fill vacant positions throughout the year. Learn more
Inspirations Art Show: The Manotick Art Association invites you to its annual Spring Show and Sale on April 21, from 6 to 9 pm, at the Manotick Curling Centre. Learn more
City Updates
Schedule changes for the Easter weekend: There will be a number of changes affecting City services and offices this long weekend, including a 1-day delay on garbage and recycling pickup. Learn more
Scooter Pilot Extended: The City’s Transportation Committee has recommended continuing with a fourth year of the kick scooter pilot in 2023. Learn more
Stay in Touch
I want to hear from you! Connect with the team and stay informed by:
Following us on social media by clicking the icons below
Emailing your concerns to ward21@ottawa.ca
Calling the office at 613-580-2491
Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.