Rising water levels at Lake Timiskaming

For immediate release

Timiskaming, Quebec, May 1, 2023 — Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise the public that, as a result of significant rainfall combined with the snow melt on the Ottawa River watershed, water levels all along the Ottawa River, and on Lake Timiskaming, will be well above normal conditions.

The water level on the north end of Lake Timiskaming is 178.9 m and will continue to rise at a rate of approximately 20 cm per day during the coming week. It is possible that the maximum operating water level of 179.56 m will be reached or exceeded by the end of the week.

Municipalities and residents, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor these conditions and prepare accordingly. Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and unstable at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. PSPC encourages everyone to keep children and pets away from shorelines and watercourses.

Keeping a close watch on local conditions and staying updated on forecasts and warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada is strongly recommended. PSPC will continue to monitor weather forecasts, river flows and water levels.

This message will remain in effect until conditions change.