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City still needs volunteers for flood prep: community support stations open this weekend

Volunteers prepare for flooding by filling sandbags. (Photo/City of Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa continues the call-out for volunteers to help with flood preparation efforts. The number one priority remains to be filling sandbags and supporting homeowners along the Ottawa River in danger of flooding.

Volunteers are asked to check in as follows:

Date: Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28

Time: 9 am to 7 pm

Location:

  • Dunrobin Community Centre at 1151 Thomas A. Dolan Parkway. (Moved from Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre, 262 Len Purcell Drive)
  • Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road. A shuttle will transport volunteers from the Museum to the site and back.
  • Ron Kolbus Centre, 102 Greenview Drive (upper parking lot)

Volunteers are asked not to bring their own equipment, except for the following:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing that may get dirty, wet, or damaged
  • Work gloves if you have them, otherwise they can be provided
  • Close-toed footwear (ideally steel-toed boots)
  • Water and snacks. Lunch will be provided.
  • Sunscreen

Other information for volunteers:

  • When you arrive to volunteer, please present yourself to the Volunteer Registration Centre.
  • First time volunteers will be required to complete an Emergency Support Volunteer Registration and Liability Waiver
  • Returning volunteers to check in at the Volunteer Registration Centre
  • You will be required to wear an armband or other identification provided for you
  • Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteers under 18 years must be supervised by an adult or legal guardian.

More information on what to expect when you volunteer is available in City News.

Emergency support centres open

The City is opening Emergency Community Support Centre in three locations to provide on-location support to residents affected by flooding. The West Carleton-March Community Support Centre opened Thursday and the Central and Eastern Centres will open on Friday, April 26.

At each location, visitors will be able to speak to representatives from the City’s Community and Social Services department and Ottawa Public Health.

Representatives from the Canadian Red Cross and The Salvation Army will also help triage resident needs, answer resource questions, and follow up on resident inquiries or direct them to the appropriate service.

West Carleton-March Community Support Centre

Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre, 262 Len Purcell Lane

  • Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 — 10 am to 7 pm

Bay Community Support Centre

Pinecrest Recreation Complex - Barbara Ann Scott Arena, 2250 Torquay Avenue

  • Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 — 10 am to 7 pm

Cumberland Community Support Centre

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road

  • Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 — 10 am to 7 pm

Visit ottawa.ca for up-to-date information about hours of operation.

Residents can also visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 with specific questions, or come to any City of Ottawa Service Centre during regular business hours.

City of Ottawa news releases, with light editing.