Motion to examine extreme weather patterns in Nepean/West Ottawa

Today, I moved a motion, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, to consult with weather experts to determine how College Ward and environs are being impacted by extreme weather so we can plan to improve our infrastructure and maintenance routines.

See the full motion.

WHEREAS over the past several years, Nepean has suffered several extreme
weather events including the 2018 tornados; 2022 derecho; the 2023 ice storm;
the July 1, 2026 rainstorm and floods; and the August 12, 2026 windstorm; and

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Climate Projections for the National Capital
Region (2020) indicate that Ottawa is projected to see rising temperatures, more
rainfall and more extreme weather events; and

WHEREAS recent and historical weather patterns suggest that the affected areas
of Nepean may experience localized weather and climatic conditions that differ
from other parts of the city;

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa uses climate and weather reports when designing
its infrastructure standards, infrastructure maintenance routines and resident
support programs; and

WHEREAS Infrastructure and Water Services is currently conducting an analysis
of the 2026 Rainfall Events that will analyze rainfall, flooding impacts, resident
reports, infrastructure performance, watershed conditions, operational
information, and previous studies to determine what occurred, why flooding
occurred, how municipal systems performed, and what actions may be required
to improve flood resilience and inform future planning and infrastructure
decisions; and
WHEREAS a meteorologist can provide expert analysis of the physical weather
processes that may contribute to observed patterns in thunderstorms and heavy
rainfall events;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Ottawa engage a qualified
professional with expertise in mesoscale meteorology and urban climatology to
analyze recent and historical weather patterns and events in Nepean and across
Ottawa, using the best available Ottawa-specific and localized data;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the specialist be funded through existing rate
funded programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the specialist’s findings be made public and
used to inform the overall analysis and recommendations arising from the review
of the 2026 rainfall events.

Latest posts

Motion on reconstruction fee relief

Today, I seconded a motion by Mayor Sutcliffe to provide residents who are rebuilding after the July 1, 2026 flooding with relief from fees associated with construction.

Read the full motion

WHEREAS the extreme weather events of July 1, August 10 and August 12, 2026,
caused significant disruption, property damage, and financial hardship for
residents across the city, impacting more than 6,500 properties; and

WHEREAS the City’s Revenue Services team has implemented temporary
administrative measures to support affected residents, including the suspension
of collection activities, a pause on interest accumulation and related late fees,
enhanced customer service accommodations, and account-level notifications for
impacted properties; and

Inquiry about ICDs and catch basins

Today, I tabled an Inquiry to ask for details about Inlet Control Devices, why they were installed in west end catch basins, how they're maintained, and whether they may have contributed to the July 1 flooding.

Read the full Inquiry

Inquiry:
Following the July 1, 2026 flooding of thousands of west end Ottawa homes,
businesses, and public facilities, and again after the flooding on August 10, 2026,
many residents noted that stormwater drainage through municipal catch basins
was inhibited by Inlet Control Devices (ICDs) which had been installed by the
City.
Several also noted that the ICDs were plugged with dirt and debris, completely
blocking the catch basin from draining storm water.
The apparent result of the ICDs, whether blocked or not, was to cause overland
flooding that entered homes.

August 14 2026 Extreme Weather Operations

The transition to monitoring operations does not signal the end of the City’s recovery efforts. The ECC has established an integrated task force to maintain situational awareness and coordinate access to recovery programs and services. The task force will support consistent, accessible, and equitable personalized support for affected residents throughout the recovery period.

READ THE FULL UPDATE

Motion to examine extreme weather patterns in Nepean/West Ottawa

Latest posts

Motion on reconstruction fee relief

Inquiry about ICDs and catch basins

August 14 2026 Extreme Weather Operations

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