West Carleton Disaster Relief

Do you need tarps, equipment or volunteer assistance. If yes please complete our form and our team will be in touch. 

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West Carleton Food Access Centre

The WCFAC as always is here to help those who are need assistance either temporary from the storm or more regular basis. 

The Food Access Centre is located at 5670 Carp Road, Kinburn, ON, on the lower level of the West Carleton Community Complex.

Office Phone: (613) 832 - 5685
Email: WCfoodaid@gmail.com

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West Ottawa Community Resource Centre

Mental Health Supports visit wocrc.ca

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City of Ottawa Updates & Services

The severe weather event has caused significant damage, power outages and service disruptions through the city.

The City is in activated operations for this incident. 

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Check their page for updates as they become available.

 

You can also follow these social media accounts for the latest information:

• City of Ottawa’s Facebook and Twitter pages

• OC Transpo on Twitter

• Ottawa Police Service on Twitter

• Hydro Ottawa on Twitter or the website

If you are without power but have a battery-operated or crank radio, you can listen to local stations for updates.

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Waste disposal

The City will carry out a green bin blitz over the next few days in the neighbourhoods most affected by the storm to ensure organic waste is collected as soon as possible. Many who lost power will need to dispose of food that has spoiled.

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The City will also continue with regular garbage and recycling collection, and residents can set out organic waste weekly in their green bin, according to the collection calendar.

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Anticipating increased need for disposing of spoiled food, the City is also setting up several sites where residents will have ongoing access to organics-only waste dumpsters.

Bins are in place and ready for use at the following locations:​

• Constance Bay Community Center at 262 Len Purcell Drive

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Damaged trees and brush

Property owners do not need a permit to remove dead or hazardous trees on their private property where the tree is an immediate threat to public health and safety or will not survive the damage sustained. Photos should be taken before removal to provide evidence of the condition of the tree should there be future inquiries.

City crews are working to remove tree branches and yard waste, but it will take several weeks before the cleanup is finished. If possible, residents should bring tree cuttings, branches and brush to the curb for collection, ensuring it does not impede the roadway or pedestrian access. Please separate brush-like tree cuttings or branches from non-organic storm-related waste like damaged lawn furniture or broken fencing.

The City’s landfill at the Trail Waste Facility (4475 Trail Road) is also offering extended hours to accommodate special collections and will waive tipping fees for residents with storm-related materials to support residents with their disposal needs.

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3-1-1

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. 

Note that By-law and Regulatory Services is not responding to noise complaints for generators supporting properties without power for the remainder of the emergency storm response. 

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Support for residents in need

The City has opened several accessible Emergency Reception Centres where residents can access power and services. These centres will be open 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 and water:

• W. Erskine Johnston Arena, at 3832 Carp Road

• NorthWind Wireless Fibe Centre at 262 Len Purcell Dr, Woodlawn, ON K0A 3M0

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If 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

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Ottawa Public Health

Learn more about mental health, food safety, and physical safety resources: May 21 Severe Thunderstorm - Keeping You Healthy and Safe(link is external)

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Weather events like this can affect everyone differently. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, please reach out and speak to someone. For mental health services and supports, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/StressfulEvents(link is external).

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Emergency financial food aid for residents in need

If you were affected by the power outage and are in need of financial help, you may complete an application for emergency assistance for loss of food and in exceptional circumstances for help with medication, medical supplies or personal care.

How do I apply?

Applications for emergency assistance are completed online or over the phone.

• Go to the online application for emergency assistance(link is external)

• Or call 3-1-1, select 1 for English or 2 for French and 4 for Social Services

• City staff will complete an assessment to see if you qualify

• If you are already in receipt of Ontario Works, please call your case worker directly

ovincial Election advanced polls and respite centres will continue to offer these services.

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Stay safe

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.

• If you have a damaged fence or wall around an outdoor pool or hot tub, it is important to ensure the pool or hot tub is not presenting a drowning hazard. Please take reasonable steps to secure the area. You can find more information under the City's construction fencing by-law.

• 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(link is external) 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.

For additional power outage information, visit Hydro Ottawa’s Outage Safety(link is external) webpage.

 

First steps for recovery

If your property has been damaged by the storm, the first step is to contact your insurance company for direction. If you are a renter, contact the property owner as well as your insurance company.