Ottawa River levels may have peaked in Rigaud, Que., as spring thaw submerges streets

Rigeaud, Que. residents are watching the Ottawa River, and between 15 and 20 streets have been inundated with water.

Rigaud residents have been keeping close watch as the Ottawa River levels reached over 24 metres on Wednesday, but officials say the spring thaw could have reached its peak.

Mayor Charles Meunier says the dry, sunny weather has helped.

“The water level is quite stable,” he said. “We almost reached peak, which can stay there for maybe 1 to 3 days, or maybe even less.”

He said between 15 to 20 streets have been inundated with water overflowing from the banks of the Ottawa River and are impassable by car.

This has forced residents like Carole Gilbert to park her car on the street, and don hip waders and rubber boots to get to her home.

“We are surrounded by water,” she said. “We live on an island.”

The City of Rigaud has been monitoring the situation and trying to keep its residents informed, said Meunier, a lesson they learned from the serious floods of 2017 and 2019.

“We do a lot of work to try to give to citizens the best, most accurate information as possible so they can, know what’s going on, and what will go on,” he said.

Meunier said there have been no evacuations, and residents are able to stay in their homes as long as they feel safe to do so.

Firefighters and SQ officers are visiting the affected areas by foot and boat if necessary to ensure the safety of the residents.

Piles of sand are at the fire station, and resident Joshua Besner and his partner were there to fill bags to put around their home.

“It’s not looking bad for us right now, but if it gets worse, we’ll be ready,” he said.

He said this was their first time experiencing the spring thaw as homeowners, and they want to do whatever they can to protect their investment.

“It’s a bit nerve wracking, but you just got to make sure you’re keeping up to date and using resources that are available to you,” he added.

Meunier said he hopes that residents will learn from this year’s experience and have a plan for next spring.

“You know, this kind of situation. We will have to face it again in the future,” he said.