A look at the Bonnechere River (Town of Renfrew Photo)
As spring flooding continues in the Ottawa Valley, residents of Renfrew are being spared the worst of increased flows along local waterways.
Hannah MacMillan, the town’s Communications Coordinator, says while there are higher-than-usual water levels along the Bonnechere River as expected for the season, it’s a much different beast compared to what communities near the Ottawa River are experiencing.
While it is unlikely that Renfrew residents will be affected by flooding, MacMillan says the town’s emergency services team is watching as the spring thaw north of the community holds steady after peaking at the start of this week.
Town staff will alert the public to any flooding concerns that develop in the coming days through local media outlets like myFM and on social media. Residents can also get more immediate updates through a town-developed app that brings that information directly to your phone.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s latest forecast says flooding in the area is close to peak levels in 2023, with Whitewater Region and Fort Colounge currently dealing with the worst in terms of flooding near homes and on local roads.
(written by Kasey Egan)
