April 2023 Storm Information

The April 5^th ice storm resulted in a significant impact to our city, leaving tens of thousands without power, and damaging countless trees. It was almost unbelievable to be facing yet another event on this scale less than a year after the 2022 derecho. Over these past few days, I have been so heartened to see the City’s Emergency Operations Centre, hydro crews, emergency services and Ottawa residents responding to those in need, even if they have been without power at their own home.

As power has been restored to much of the east end, the focus has been shifting to cleanup. I have been hearing many questions on who to contact for damaged trees, what type of yard waste the City will accept, and who can help with any outstanding issues resulting from the storm. I am sharing below some information from the City that I hope will be helpful as we move on from this challenging event. I also want to reiterate that if you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Laura.Dudas@Ottawa.ca or 613-580-2472.

Debris and waste

Debris separation:

Household waste: Place at the curb as part of regular garbage and recycling collection
Organic waste: Place at the curb for weekly green bin pickup
Tree cuttings, branches and brush: Place at the curb separate from non-organic, storm-related waste
Household hazardous waste: Visit the Waste Explorer on ottawa.ca for disposal information

Do not stack or lean: Do not place debris near or on trees, poles or other structures as this makes removal difficult. This includes fire hydrants and meters.

If you don’t have a sidewalk, ditch, or utility line in front of your house, place debris at the edge of your property before the curb.

Food spoilage

Spoiled organics can be stored in the freezer until your next green bin pickup.
The City is monitoring the risks of food spoilage due to prolonged power outages and will advise of targeted collection if necessary. For now, residents are encouraged to use their green bin, and to consider public health guidance on food safety during an outage.

Trees

Forestry Services has received over 1800 requests for service.
Staff are prioritizing work to address downed trees and broken or hanging limbs that are blocking streets or that may otherwise pose a hazard to residents or property. Cleanup will be a multi-week effort involving multiple teams and partners.
Starting Friday, April 7, tipping fees at the City’s landfill site at the Trail Waste Facility (4475 Trail Road) will be temporarily waived for residents with organic storm-related waste such as tree-cuttings, brush and branches.

Property Insurance

Most home and business insurance policies cover damage caused by some emergency situations such as, a windstorm or tornado. If you are a renter, contact the property owner and your renters’ insurance company. Your insurance company will give you direction on your next steps and assist with clean up and debris removal.

Protect yourself and coordinate everything through your insurance company. Document and take photos of any damage. Keep all receipts related to the storm, such as for hotels, food, pet boarding and supplies.

Contacts

9-1-1
For life-threatening emergencies
2-1-1
For information on provincial government and local community-based health and social services including food
3-1-1
For City of Ottawa services such as garbage collection, by-laws, forestry services and childcare services
613-738-0188
For inquiries to Hydro Ottawa about power outages
1-800-434-1235
For inquiries to Hydro One about power outages