Spring runoff management: lowering the level of the Rivière Gatineau upstream of Chelsea generating station

Last week’s heavy rains created a third flood peak on the Rivière Gatineau, and more significant rainfall is expected in the coming days. A number of sectors along the river are currently flooded or at risk of flooding.

To reduce the impact of rising water levels in the municipality of La Pêche (Wakefield sector), Hydro-Québec has lowered the water level upstream of the Chelsea dam to below 96 metres, i.e., 1.5 metres lower than the usual level.

The level will be maintained for at least a week, until the inflow from the upper basin of the Rivière Gatineau decreases significantly.

Hydro-Québec is aware of the inconvenience this may cause for local citizens in the municipalities of Chelsea, Cantley and La Pêche. However, these measures aim to limit the risk of flooding for all riverside residents.

It is important to note that this new drop in water level is in no way related to the work being carried out at Chelsea generating station, which involved lowering the level of the river in the first three weeks of May.

Citizens are invited to call the Info-project line at 1 800 465-1521, ext. 6022, if they have any questions.

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Hydro-Québec
Community Relations –
Lanaudière, Laurentides, Laval and Outaouais