May 23 Update Following Saturday’s Severe Weather Event

Hello Kanata North,Many of us have been and remain without power and cell service, some have seen damage to property as well. However, there are already so many stories of neighbours helping one another. I’m proud of our community and would like to thank you all.Here are the latest updates that are available. Please reach out at cathy.curry@ottawa.ca if you need anything. My team and I will do our best to assist you.Update for residents on well-waterIf you have lost access to your well water, bottled water is available at the following locations along with access to fill containers with potable water:

  • W. Erskine Johnston Arena, at 3832 Carp Road
  • Howard Darwin Centennial Arena, at 1765 Merivale Road
  • Navan Memorial Centre, at 1295 Colonial Road

Debris Clean UpThank you to all of our residents who have helped clean up branches and debris from the storm. City crews are working to pick up and dispose of branches and debris. To help with this, place your branches and debris, bundled if you are able, by the road.Do not obstruct sidewalks or roadways, please. A reminder to be courteous to crews working on recovery efforts. Cleanup will take some time and your cooperation and patience is appreciated. Organics collection will be the first priority but debris cleanup is next in line.Western Ottawa Community Resource CentreI’ve been informed that the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24. For details, please visit wocrc.ca.Food AssistanceThe damage from Saturday’s storm is widespread. Across Ottawa, many were forced to throw food away due to the loss of electricity. Please help fill the fridges for those in need by supporting the Kanata Food Cupboard. School ClosuresWork is underway to ensure all schools can safely reopen on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.  However, given ongoing power outages and traffic safety, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as well as the Ottawa Catholic School Board announced today that all schools will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24. There will be NO remote learning taking place tomorrow.Emergency Reception CentresThe City has opened several Emergency Reception Centres where residents can access power and services. These centres will be open until 10 pm on Monday, May 23, reopening on Tuesday, May 24 from 10 am until 10 pm. Locations and hours are subject to change based on community needs.

The following facilities offer power for charging devices, showers, washrooms, food and Red Cross:

The following facilities offer power for charging devices, showers, and washrooms:

The following facility offers power for charging devices and washrooms:

Do you know someone who is vulnerable and in need of assistance after yesterday’s severe storm? Check on them and, if needed, please bring them to an emergency reception centre.The City’s 3-1-1 call centre is experiencing very high call volume. Ottawa residents are asked to remain patient as workers respond to calls on a priority basis. Please only call 3-1-1 for urgent issues that are a threat to public safety.The Hydro Ottawa crews are working diligently to ensure public safety and restore power as soon as possible. Power will be restored initially to large scale outages, followed by smaller ones, keeping safety as the number one priority. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 meters (the length of a school bus) away from the wires and from any objects that are in contact with the lines. The Hydro Ottawa outage map is available here.If you’ve lost power, follow these steps to stay safe:

  • Please reserve the use of 911 to situations where there is risk to public safety and life-threatening emergencies. If there is a downed power line with no injuries and no risk to public safety, please report it via the police non-emergency number at 613-236-1222 or by calling Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-0188.
  • Listen to a battery powered radio to follow the news.
  • Stay away from loose or dangling wires.
  • If there is debris on your property, please refrain from putting it on the sidewalk.
  • Turn off all lights, unplug appliances and electronics, and turn down heating system thermostats. This will help avoid a power surge when electricity is restored.
  • If your house has a sump pump that does not have a backup power supply, clear valuable from the basement in case flooding occurs.
  • If the doors are kept closed, food in freezers will keep for 24 to 48 hours without power, and food in refrigerators will keep for up to four hours. For more information about storing food and water during an emergency, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
  • If you use a fireplace for heat, check chimneys for creosote build-up or debris. Do not leave the fire unattended.
  • Close room doors to keep heat or cool air in a confined area.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, place them in a non-combustible container away from drapes and carpet and never leave them unattended.
  • Only use camp stove, and charcoal or gas barbeques outdoors.
  • Only use generators outdoors. Exhaust fumes could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not properly vented. To prevent exhaust gases from entering the house, operate generators in well-ventilated conditions away from windows and doors, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Plug your appliances directly into the generator using properly rated Canadian Standards Association approved cords.
  • Avoid elevator use.

Please visit the City of Ottawa website for further updates and available resources.

An important reminder from Hydro Ottawa

Please be safe out there!Sincerely,Councillor Cathy Curry