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Gatineau, Que., is winding down its sandbag sites and will close its flooding assistance centre as Ottawa River levels continue to slowly drop.
The river rose for most of April at its eastern Ontario and western Quebec measuring sites, peaking in downtown Gatineau on April 21 at about a metre above its normal range for that day.
Hundreds of buildings had either flooded or were at risk as of two weeks ago, and more than 100 people had requested help from the Red Cross.
Water levels have dropped about 65 centimetres since then, according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, and based on its four-day forecast they’re expected to continue to gradually decline.
Sandbag stations will be closing throughout the day on Wednesday, according to Gatineau city officials.
The city’s flooding relief centre at the Centre sportif at 850 blvd. de la Gappe will also close Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Red Cross will continue to support people affected by the floods, the city said, and anyone who needs that support once the centre closes can contact the Red Cross directly.
Gatineau, Que., Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette speaks to a reporter after giving an update on the spring flooding situation on Wednesday. (Félix Desroches/Radio-Canada)
Restrictions are also easing on several streets, the city added.
People are still asked to keep sandbag walls in place as a precaution. More information on the city’s recovery plan is coming soon, officials said.
In Ottawa, there are still 15 sandbag depots and several flooded roads and paths, according to that city.