Ottawa residents woke up to a mess on July 2 after Canada Day storms battered parts of the city, flooding two west-end highrises and cutting power to hundreds of people just as the holiday weekend was winding down.
West-End Highrises Hit Hard
The flooding hit a pair of high-rise buildings in Ottawa's west end, leaving residents in a tough spot — no elevators, no power, and in some cases, flooded vehicles in the parking areas below. For anyone living on an upper floor, that meant a long climb up darkened stairwells, and for those with mobility challenges, it created a more serious problem.
Emergency crews and building management worked to assess the damage and restore services, but as of Thursday morning, the situation remained difficult for many tenants.
The Snowbirds Flew One Last Time (For Now)
In between the chaos, Ottawa also marked the Canada Day flyby from the Royal Canadian Air Force's Snowbirds aerial demonstration team — a farewell pass for the time being. The iconic jets have been a staple of Canada Day celebrations, and their appearance gave crowds a moment of celebration even as storms rolled in later in the day.
Heat Warning Still in Effect
If dealing with storm damage wasn't enough, Ottawa residents are also being warned to brace for the heat. Environment Canada has issued an orange-level heat warning for the region, meaning temperatures and humidity levels are expected to reach levels that pose a health risk — particularly for seniors, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
Ottawa Public Health advises residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, and check in on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Cooling centres are available across the city for those who need a break from the heat.
A Long July 2 for Many Ottawans
Put it together — flooded apartments, downed power, no elevators, and a heat warning — and July 2 was shaping up to be a rough day for a lot of Ottawa households. City crews and utility workers were on the ground working to restore power and assist affected residents.
If you're in a building affected by flooding or a power outage, Ottawa Hydro's outage map is the best place to check for restoration timelines. And if the heat becomes dangerous, the City of Ottawa's cooling centre locator can point you to the nearest air-conditioned space.
Stay cool out there, Ottawa.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. Story originally published July 2, 2025.
