Ottawa recovers from Canada Day storm as 4,500 households report basement flooding

More than 4,500 Ottawa households reported basement flooding after the Canada Day storm dumped 118 millimetres of rain, and the city says recovery is making "significant progress."

Ottawa Fire Services responded to nearly 700 emergency calls during the storm. More than 36,000 residents lost power, and the city fielded about 5,500 calls to 311. All traffic signals are back online, and crews are repairing damaged roads, drainage systems, and other infrastructure. Electricity has been restored to nearly all affected customers, though some temporary power disruptions are expected as Hydro Ottawa completes repairs to storm-damaged equipment.

The city has waived the standard three-item garbage limit for flood-affected residents and is collecting storm debris during regular garbage days or through dedicated cleanup operations. Residents can place any storm-related debris on the curb without submitting additional service requests. There is no limit on organic waste, and those with full green bins due to prolonged power outages can place additional food in garbage bags clearly labelled as green bin waste.

Fees have been waived at the Trail Road waste facility for households that have submitted a service request for basement flooding or storm-related waste. Residents will need to provide their service request number and photo ID confirming their address. Electronic waste and household hazardous waste still require separate disposal and cannot be placed on the curb or at the landfill.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he will ask council next week to increase the budget for the Compassionate Grants program, which offers $1,000 to residential property owners or tenants affected by basement flooding due to sewer surcharging. Over the last 16 years, the program has received about 55 applications, with the current budget sitting at $150,000 per year.