We Flooded Again: What Happened After Ottawa’s 2023 Investigation?

Dear supporters,

On July 1, 2026, homes in Ottawa flooded again during an extreme rainfall event.

The City subsequently advised residents that the event placed significant strain on the sewer system and that some basement flooding may have resulted from sewer surcharge.

This matters because the City’s December 2023 Ward 8 flood investigation had already identified significant concerns in the Crestview area. The report documented more than 80 historical basement-flood reports, described homes along an uncontrolled storm-sewer system, and said modelling showed the storm sewer could surcharge to basement elevation during the August 2023 storm. It identified storm-sewer surcharge as the most likely cause of flooding in the area and said further investigation of possible stormwater controls would follow.

After another flood in 2026, residents deserve clear answers:

• Was the promised follow-up investigation completed?
• What improvements were considered or implemented?
• What does the City’s analysis show about the July 1 event?
• Will previously denied claims be reassessed where municipal sewer surcharge caused or contributed to the damage?
• Why is the municipality’s own claims process the only initial assessment of municipal responsibility?

We have updated this petition to request publication of the final studies, a transparent investigation of the 2026 flooding, an independent review process for disputed claims, and stronger support for protective plumbing.

Please help us reach 1,000 signatures by sharing this petition. If you were affected on July 1, report the flood through 3-1-1, preserve your photographs and contractor reports, and contact your councillor and MPP.

Please do not post your home address, insurance information or claim number publicly.

Thank you for continuing to stand with affected Ottawa residents.

Joe Achakji