LETTER

The District of Deschênes also affected by the floods

 

For a little more than a week, we have known that the sectors of Gatineau and Masson-Angers were affected by important floods. Here, in Aylmer, Fraser Road, near the Ottawa River, has also been heavily hit.

During the night of Friday to Saturday, it was Old Deschênes' turn to find itself partially flooded and threatened (particularly Lamoureux, Côté and Dorion Streets).

But, thanks to the great collaboration and efficiency of our municipal administration, I quickly learned (on Saturday) that a new site for sand and bags was being set up for Deschênes residents.  Indeed, in addition to Louis-Roy Park, also in my district, Tourbillon Park (Wychwood) and 44 Eardley, Deschênes residents have had access, since Saturday, to a similar site at the corner of Côté and Des Ursulines Streets. Bulk sand and thousands of sandbags were repeatedly dropped off there following my calls throughout the last days.

As in other parts of the city, a wind of solidarity blew everywhere in the district. Residents from Deschênes and from the neighbourhood quickly put their resources together to help out their fellow citizens affected by the floods. Over the weekend, they built dykes along Lamoureux St. and around houses on Côté and Dorion Streets where water from the river was rapidly rising. On Fraser Road, we were not as successful in stopping the progress of the water, but mutual aid,  voluntary work and community spirit were no less present.  I cannot but be delighted by such solidarity and so much generosity, and I really want to thank the numerous volunteers who came to give a hand to their needy fellow citizens and, in so doing, limited the damages a little.

I also wish to thank Lily Ryan, of the Bulletin d'Aylmer, who, on Saturday in particular, largely facilitated my task of coordination with the Emergency Measures Coordination Centre (EMCC) and citizens of my district by communicating regularly with me. A real community newspaper!

The battle is definitely not over yet, but the City of Gatineau is in control and the Canadian Army is now on site, for additional assistance. For my part, I am on alert, watching the situation very closely, and making sure to convey citizens' needs to the EMCC.  At any time, do not hesitate to communicate directly with the City by dialing 311.

In Deschênes, some citizens told me that such a situation had not occurred with such an intensity since at least 1974 ... and probably even 1950. Together we shall hold out. 

 

Richard Bégin
Councillor, District of Deschênes