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An Ottawa River Flood Plain information sheet has been prepared to provide a summary of the various policies and provisions in the Township Official Plan and Zoning By-law as they relate to development along the Ottawa River and in particular related to the flood plain. Additional information and alternate formats are also available by contacting the Township Planning Department
The elevations to guide new development along the Ottawa River were provided through the Flood Damage Reduction Program (FDRP). A copy of the report is available from the Township Office upon request.
There are also a variety of stakeholders involved with the Ottawa River.
Download the Ottawa River Flood Plain Information Sheet
Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB)
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board was established in 1983 by the governments of Canada, Quebec, and Ontario to ensure integrated management of the principal reservoirs of the Ottawa River Basin. The goal of this integrated management is to minimize the impacts of floods and droughts along the Ottawa River and its tributaries, particularly in the Montreal Region, while maintaining the beneficial water uses such as hydro-electric energy production and preserving statutory or environmental levels and discharges in respect of other interests.
The Planning Board also ensures that relevant hydrological information, for example forecasts of river flows and levels along the Ottawa River, is made available to the public and government organizations. For more information see the ORRPB website.
Information on Ontario Power Generation (OPG) operations on the Ottawa River can be found on their website.
As there is no Conservation Authority in the stretches of the Ottawa River through Renfrew County, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) plays a greater role along with local municipalities in the implementation of flood plain regulations. Additional information on local conditions is available from the NDMNRF surface water monitoring centre website.
Spring Freshet Updates/ Flood Warnings
| April 16, 2025 - Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Pembroke District |
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The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect throughout the district until Friday, April 25, 2025 Residents in Renfrew County / Pembroke District should consider the following: Recent warm weather has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will result in high water conditions as the freshet runoff moves through the system. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week. Areas around Lac Coulonge and Chats Lake along the Ottawa River should take additional precautions as water levels in that area are expected to rise over the next few days. MNR also advises caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding. The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Description of Weather System The forecast shows Daily high temperatures around ten degrees and night time lows close to the freezing mark. Varying levels of precipitation may be seen across the district. Description of Current Conditions The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions. Rainfall and warming temperatures have resulted in a significant reduction in the snowpack across the county. Forecasted precipitation has the potential to further reduce the snowpack and ice on lakes and rivers. Lakes and Rivers in the area are still at or below seasonal levels. Lake levels and flows in creeks and rivers will slowly rise as a result of the warm weather and forecasted rains. Water may accumulate in low lying areas that are prone to flooding or areas with poor drainage. Water levels are not expected to reach flood thresholds. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended. DEFINITIONS
LEARN MORE Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Supervisor, 613-291-3613 ontario.ca/mnrf Disponible en français
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April 16, 2025 - Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Pembroke District - Main Stem of Ottawa River |
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Main Stem of Ottawa River The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect for areas along the main stem of the Ottawa River until Friday, April 25, 2025. Recent warm weather has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will result in high water conditions as the freshet runoff moves through the system. Although no widespread flooding is expected at this time, water levels and flow on the Ottawa River will increase, and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities. The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Description of Weather System The forecast shows Daily high temperatures around ten degrees and nighttime lows close to the freezing mark. Varying levels of precipitation may be seen across the district. Description of Current Conditions The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions. Water levels and flows are fairly stable in all locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River. Levels and flows are expected to increase due to spring runoff from the central and northern parts of the basin. Levels are expected to rise over the next few days in all locations. The snowpack melt in the northern part of the basin is expected to continue over the next few weeks. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended. The watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety for the remainder of Renfrew county remains in effect and has been extended until April 25, 2025. DEFINITIONS
of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
LEARN MORE Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water- monitoring-centre
Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Supervisor, 613-291-3613 ontario.ca/mnrf
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Sandbags
Township residents/ property owners concerned about flooding who are wanting to proactively undertake sandbagging of their property may reach out to the township to pick up sandbags at the township office.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Behm, Public Works Manager, Township of Laurentian Valley
613-735-6291 ext. 216; or
Kendryck Trgovcevic, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Township of Laurentian Valley 613-735-6291 ext. 209
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