Flood Watch issued for Rideau River

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for the Rideau Valley, warning of potential flooding along the Rideau River this weekend.
In a statement, the conservation authority says with heavy rain in the forecast this weekend and the residual snowpack still intact in some areas, potential flooding could begin in low-lying areas starting on Saturday.
Environment Canada's forecast calls for periods of rain or snow on Friday and Saturday.
"Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed," the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority said in a statement.
"As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches."
The conservation authority says based on the weekend forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Officials say the following areas may see flooding:
- Smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including in the city of Ottawa. The conservation authority says low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches may see flooding
- The Rideau River near Kars
- The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Hilly Lane, Rideau Glen Lane, Golf Course Lane and Barts Lane.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says water levels in the upper watershed lakes are "presently near normal for this time of year."
Ottawa River
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says water levels and flows in most locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River are currently below average for this time of year.
"Based on forecast warmer temperatures and rainfall, water levels and flows are expected to increase over the coming week and should remain close to seasonal values," the board said in a statement on Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES | Alberta election live updates: UCP gains 3 seats, including Smith's riding
Watch CTV News Edmonton's special election broadcast on air and online as polls close.

Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.
Singh calling for foreign interference special rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Free prescription drugs could reduce overall health-care costs in Canada: study
Overall health-care costs could be reduced in Canada by providing free prescription drugs to patients, according to a new study.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
Strategic city planning can mitigate 'urban heat island' effect, make cities cooler in summer: study
New research from Penn State University found certain factors can contribute to reducing what’s known as the 'urban heat island' effect, and that climate knowledge can contribute to better city planning and design.
'Tragedies occur far too often': Canada Safety Council shares swimming safety tips
With the summer swimming season fast approaching, the Canada Safety Council is reminding people to be careful and take measures to prevent drowning, especially after three children died just days apart.