Aroha DeForest, a long-time resident of Nepean since the 1990s, purchased sandbags following a flood incident in 2023 and has since kept them as a permanent feature in her driveway due to the recent heavy rainfall on Canada Day. She described the constant anxiety felt by the residents of Ottawa’s west end whenever there is a forecast of severe weather, mentioning the heightened vigilance in monitoring potential threats.
Recent rainfall of 23.5 millimetres caused flooding in parts of the city, retriggering fears among residents like DeForest, who expressed the stress and unease of facing repeated flooding risks. She shared how she and her neighbors have been taking turns to ensure someone is always available to monitor the situation, emphasizing the fear of potential damage to their homes.
DeForest highlighted the collective apprehension within the community, with residents refraining from leaving their homes simultaneously in fear of potential flooding. The uncertainty of whether their properties or their neighbors’ would be affected by the forecasted rain adds to the residents’ apprehension.
Following discussions with residents in different wards, Councilor Sean Devine of Knoxdale-Merivale acknowledged the urgent need for enhanced support in the wake of the widespread flooding on Canada Day, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by many households. The city is evaluating its response to the previous storm and exploring ways to enhance preparedness for future extreme weather events.
Another Nepean resident, Wesley Bova, expressed concerns about the lingering fear within the community despite the less severe impact of the recent storm compared to the Canada Day deluge. He emphasized the lingering apprehension within his family, reflecting on the continuous worry of facing another flooding incident and the sense of dread that looms whenever the sky darkens.