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

March 17, 2025 - Watershed Conditions Statement Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Pembroke District

 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area
residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect throughout
the district until Friday, March 28, 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 likely result
in an increase to water levels on lakes and rivers.


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.


Please remember, no ice is safe ice. Ice conditions on local lakes may start to deteriorate
with warmer temperatures and changing water levels and flows.


Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.


MNRF 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


This message is based on information received from MNRF’s Surface Water Monitoring
Centre and Environment Canada.


Rainfall and warming temperatures that were experienced this weekend have resulted in a significant reduction in the snowpack across the county. Forecasted warm temperatures and rain have the potential to further reduce the snowpack and ice on lakes and rivers.


Water levels are within averages for this time of year, but rain and warm weather are expected to produce runoff and increase flows. Higher water levels are expected, and water may accumulate in low lying areas or areas of poor drainage.


Description of Current Conditions


The MNRF continues to closely monitor local lakes and rivers as this event progresses.

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. No flood related issues are predicted at this time.


A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

DEFINITIONS


• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.

SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

 

LEARN MORE

Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre



Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca

 


A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Office, 613-291-3613

 

www.ontario.ca/mnrf

 

 

 

 

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