Record flooding:  Gatineau councillors react

The recent epic floods were on the minds of everyone at the city council meeting in Hull, May 16; all the councillors wore t-shirts with the slogan “Gatineau en force,” demonstrating how residents came together in strength and solidarity.  Councillors and Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin expressed gratitude and awe at how people gathered together, helping their neighbours, making sandbags and trying to save the belongings of those living in the flood zone.  The mayor commented, “People say that Gatineau is the fourth largest city in Quebec. (I disagree); during the past month, because of their determination and service to the public, Gatineau residents have shown that it is the largest city in Quebec. Our citizens are generous, altruistic, and they love their community.”

Councillor Sylvie Goneau, who was a flood victim, thanked her colleagues and neighbours for their immense efforts to help save their belongings from the ravages of the water.  “I’d also like to thank the city employees who went above and beyond the call of duty to offer assistance in such a difficult time.”  The mayor also expressed gratitude to city employees.

The work has just begun

Councillor Myriam Nadeau represents Pointe-Gatineau, a ward that was hit particularly hard by the massive flood. She noted that it will take time to recover, commenting, “We need time to rebuild and together, we can do it.” She recommended that flood victims who feel the need should seek out psychological help, as the event was a very difficult trauma to live through.

The city has told people that they can return home when the water has receded from the street; preferably, people should return during the day to take photos for future claims and to ensure that there are no obvious dangers.  Gatineau is asking people to pump water outdoors, rather than into the sewer, to avoid sewer backups.

During a press conference, May 17, the mayor noted that the army is out collecting sandbags. He said, “We can be proud of ourselves; we stepped up. Young people, older people…it was amazing to see how strong people could be in the face of such a threat.”