July 2, 2026
We received pictures of water rising to heights “never seen before” all around and through the golf lands, and around the Beaver Pond.
The intent was to send off Canada Day wishes yesterday. But at 5pm, a friend and I were planning a dinner break from our tasks in downtown Ottawa when all hell broke loose. This was her backyard when it was over. Just missed the car!
My phone began exploding with pictures of 
water rising to heights “never seen before” along Shaughnessy (hole #9) and here is a video behind Knudson (hole#6) where the water meets the City’s hard stormwater management system ( yes, where Minto did its exploratory work in the spring.)
And, then the Beaverbrook calls started coming. It seemed all the basements along Carr were flooding. Flooding reported along Pentland, Tiffany, Varley, Selwyn, Riopelle Milne, Binning, Sandwell and into Kingsford.
I headed for home thinking about the Beaver Pond. Trees and their parts scattered all over downtown streets approaching the Queensway. I prayed for a quick trip given that the Canada Day festivities were cancelled and 
downtown seemed eerily quiet. One west bound land flooded on the Queensway approaching the west end. And then Moodie Drive.
Dead stop. All five westbound lanes flooded. One Emergency Responder up to his hips in water! I didn’t get that picture.
Pictures of the Beaver Pond began rolling in. Ironically, they look quite peaceful after the fact.
As a result, this morning is a major work day for many of our supporters and neighbours. We can only prepare for the unexpected hardships brought by Mother Nature with appropriate investment in infrastructure and emergency response. And climate change and warming brings more of it…and faster.
We don’t have to increase our risk of damage to life and property with Reckless Development. Our Kanata, Our Say.
If you have damage and pictures and most certainly if your property approximates our Greenspace lands, please send them to Councillor Curry and Mayor Sutcliffe. Copy us too.
Councillor Curry has asked us to circulate this information on behalf of the City of Ottawa Infrastructure and Water Services Department:
Residents who experienced basement flooding are encouraged to submit a report through the City’s online reporting form to help keep 3-1-1 phone lines available for urgent requests. Information on what to do following a basement flood, including safety and cleanup guidance, is available on Ottawa.ca:
- Report basement flooding: City’s online form
Basement flooding information and resources:
Advocacy for our Greenspace does not stop
We have had little to report of late other than the news that Councillor Curry breaks from City Hall. She continues to ensure that all reasonable City resources are focussed on the resolution of the issue. In late May and June, the major focus has been Ottawa Public Health and getting them to engage provincially with the Ministry of the Environment (MECP) on the safe management of the mercury issue through the testing phase. As a result, the City will debate a request for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) from the Ford government on July 15. Watch it on City YouTube.
The KGPC continues to support her, voicing your ideas and concerns. A great way to stay informed is to follow the Kanata North Ward 4 newsletters here.
We truly hope that you have good memories of Canada Day before the storm events of last evening. We’ve got more weather ahead and little place for the water to go. Stay vigilant. Reach out and check on your neighbours.
We’re in this together…. always!
Barbara
Barbara
Chair, Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition
E – chair@ourkanatagreenspace.ca
C – 613.725.4345 Get involved by following us on Facebook or Instagram.