Residents across Ottawa are assessing damage and cleaning up debris after a powerful spring storm swept through the region yesterday evening, leaving approximately 8,500 homes without electricity and causing significant property damage.
The storm, which brought wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h according to Environment Canada, toppled trees, damaged power lines, and left a trail of destruction through several neighborhoods. Particularly hard-hit areas include Kanata, Barrhaven, and parts of the Glebe.
“I was just finishing dinner when I heard what sounded like a freight train,” says Marion Kowalski, a Barrhaven resident whose backyard shed was destroyed when a neighbor’s maple tree crashed through it. “The whole house shook. It was terrifying how quickly it all happened.”
Hydro Ottawa crews have been working through the night to restore power, with spokesperson Michaela Robertson telling me this morning that emergency teams are prioritizing critical infrastructure and areas where safety hazards exist.
“We’ve mobilized all available crews, including bringing in contractors from neighboring jurisdictions,” Robertson explained. “The widespread nature of the damage means some residents may remain without power until late tomorrow, especially in areas where electrical infrastructure sustained significant damage.”
Ottawa Fire Services responded to over 40 calls related to the storm, mostly involving downed trees on houses, vehicles, and roadways. Fire Chief Pascal Martin confirmed no serious injuries had been reported, calling it “extremely fortunate given the intensity of the storm.”
At Mooney’s Bay Park, the iconic beach area sustained considerable damage, with several large trees uprooted and playground equipment damaged. The City of Ottawa has temporarily closed the park for safety assessments.
City crews are currently focused on clearing major arterial roads before moving to residential streets. Acting Mayor Claude Jenkins has urged residents to stay home if possible to allow emergency crews safe access to affected areas.
“Our priority is ensuring public safety while we work to restore essential services,” Jenkins said during this morning’s emergency briefing at City Hall. “We’re asking residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors who may need assistance.”
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board announced that three schools would remain closed today due to power outages and property damage: Highland Park High School, Riverview Elementary, and St. Patrick’s Catholic School.
At the parliamentary precinct, damage was minimal, though several scheduled committee meetings have been postponed due to power fluctuations in some government buildings.
For residents dealing with property damage, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has activated its community assistance mobile pavilion, which will be stationed at the Nepean Sportsplex starting at noon today.
“Standard home insurance policies generally cover wind damage, but we encourage residents to document everything thoroughly before beginning cleanup,” says Mariam Khalil, regional director for the Insurance Bureau. “Take photos of all damage and keep receipts for any emergency repairs.”
Ottawa Public Health has issued guidelines for food safety during power outages, reminding residents that refrigerated food becomes unsafe after four hours without electricity.
The storm’s intensity caught many by surprise, despite Environment Canada issuing a severe thunderstorm warning just 30 minutes before it hit. Meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin explained that the system intensified rapidly as it approached Ottawa.
“This is consistent with the more extreme weather patterns we’re seeing as climate change progresses,” Bégin noted. “These storms develop quickly and carry more energy than similar systems did even a decade ago.”
As the community begins recovery efforts, many residents are demonstrating Ottawa’s characteristic resilience. In Centretown, neighbors organized an impromptu barbecue to cook food that would otherwise spoil in powerless refrigerators.
For those seeking assistance, the city has established a storm response hotline at 613-580-2400, and emergency shelters have been opened at the Nepean Sportsplex and Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex for residents unable to stay
