City responding to hundreds of calls about downed trees, broken limbs
City staff were working through the night to clear downed trees
City of Ottawa public works crews are out cleaning up after a mix of ice pellets, freezing rain, thunderstorms and significant rainfall pummelled the region Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of people remain without power in the National Capital Region Thursday morning, particularly in western Quebec, after freezing rain swept across the region Wednesday and overnight.
In a news release, Alain Gonthier, general manager for the public works department, said the significant weather event declared Wednesday afternoon remains in effect.
"Crews have been out nonstop and managed to stay ahead of this event, treating sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network," he said.
"As the rain continues, we will also monitor areas that are prone to localized flooding and address any water pooling by ensuring catch basins and ditches are opened."
According to Gonthier, the city has received about 1,600 calls about downed trees, limbs and brush.
He said staff were triaging calls and getting to them in a priority sequence, focusing on trees that are blocking roadways or "otherwise pose a hazard to residents or property."
"Once hazards and streets are cleared, staff and contractors will address broken limbs, non-hazardous removals, and brush/wood cleanup," he said, adding some trees may need reinspection and pruning work.
"Residents are advised to stay inside, safely away from broken and hanging branches/limbs or leaning trees."
A 59-year-old man in South Stormont died after a branch hit him on Wednesday, the township's mayor Bryan McGillis told Radio-Canada.
Gonthier said more information about tree cleanup will be given in the coming weeks.
"Tree cuttings, branches and brush may be placed at the curb for chipping or collection, separate from non-organic waste and tied with twine in bundles, if possible," Gonthier said in the memo.
"Residents are reminded to not stack or lean branches, limbs or brush on trees, utility poles or other structures, and to keep curbside waste materials at least 1.5 metres away from fire hydrants to ensure access for our firefighters."
Waste collection and traffic lights
Gonthier said tipping fees at the Trail Waste Facility are being waived for residents with tree branches and brush.
The memo notes the facility will be open Friday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gonthier said with the exception of several streets where downed trees or wires were in the way, curbside collection has been completed.
People whose waste wasn't picked up Wednesday are asked to leave it at the curb.
Garbage collection will continue Thursday and start again Saturday due to the Good Friday holiday.
Gonthier also noted that traffic signals in areas without power may be down, and reminded drivers that a traffic signal without power should be treated as a four-way stop.
City staff are also monitoring potential flooding, Gonthier said, and he said council could expect a weekly update on that situation Thursday.
