Saturday’s severe weather event has had a tremendous impact across our city with fallen trees, property damage, power outages, injuries and, sadly, fatalities. Our thoughts are with all our colleagues and members of the community who have been impacted by the effects of this significant storm.
Our City team has been working around-the-clock to respond to calls, coordinate services, re-open roadways, restore traffic infrastructure, clean up debris and provide supports and resources to those without power. On behalf of the senior leadership team, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who took time away from family and loved ones during the holiday weekend to help our community.
City crews are currently working 24/7 to clean up debris and restore roadways and infrastructure damaged by the storm. There have been tremendous logistical challenges associated with the restoration operations, which are expected to continue throughout the next several days. Our immediate efforts are focused on continuing to help the most impacted communities and neighbourhoods by expanding debris, organics and waste removal and maintaining emergency reception centres across the city to support those without power.
Given the widespread power outages and traffic disruptions, any impacts to work arrangements will be communicated by your General Manager and departmental leadership team.
There’s no doubt that it’s been a trying time for our city with what feels like one emergency after another throughout the past several years. But, regardless of the challenge, you continue to adapt and step up to deliver the programs, services and supports our residents depend on. Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to our residents, our organization and each other.
Steve Kanellakos
City Manager | Directeur municipal
City of Ottawa | Ville d’Ottawa