The City of Ottawa recently denied several claims for compensation following the August 10, 2023, flood, which caused significant damage to homes in the Meadowlands Rd West area and beyond. The City’s infrastructure, particularly the storm sewer systems, was insufficient to handle the flood, leading to surcharging and water damage to residential properties.

Despite the City’s acknowledgment of ongoing infrastructure upgrades after the flood, residents have been left to shoulder the financial burden due to protections under the Municipal Act, 2001. This outdated law shields municipalities from liability in flood-related claims unless negligence is proven, leaving homeowners unprotected.

This petition calls on the City of Ottawa to:

 1. Take responsibility for the failure to adequately upgrade and maintain public infrastructure.
 2. Compensate residents for flood-related damages.
 3. Support amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001, to better protect residents from infrastructure-related flood damages in the future.

As taxpayers, we deserve accountability for the City’s infrastructure and reassurance that our homes will be protected. It is unacceptable that residents are left to bear the burden of preventable flooding incidents.