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Sandbagging is a simple and effective way to reduce or prevent flood damage to your property. When installed correctly, sandbags can help divert water away from homes and protect vulnerable areas during rising water conditions.

What You’ll Need

• Sandbags (heavy-duty, woven bags)
• Sand (preferred) or soil if sand is unavailable
• Plastic sheeting (vapour barrier)
• Shovel and gloves

Filling Sandbags

• Fill bags only 1/2 to 2/3 full (approximately 35–40 lbs)
• Tie bags if they need to be transported; otherwise fold the top over
• Do not overfill, as this prevents proper sealing between bags

Safety Tips

• Wear gloves and closed-toe footwear
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Avoid twisting while carrying bags
• Work in teams or use a brigade line to move bags efficiently

Where to Place Sandbags

• Build sandbag walls at least one metre away from your home where possible
• Avoid placing bags directly against foundation walls
• Use natural elevation on your property to your advantage

How to Build a Sandbag Wall

1. Prepare the area: Remove debris, snow, or ice
2. Dig a shallow trench: This helps prevent water from seeping underneath
3. Lay plastic sheeting: Extend it under and behind the wall
4. Place sandbags:
   • Lay the first row tightly in the trench
   • Stack bags in staggered rows (like bricks)
   • Ensure no gaps between bags
5. Build to proper size:
   • Wall should be wider than it is high (ideally 2–3 times wider)
6. Seal the wall:
   • Fold plastic over the completed wall and secure with additional bags

Important Notes

• Sandbag walls may still leak; be prepared to pump water from protected areas
• Floodwater may be contaminated—handle used sandbags with care
• Sandbags are not a permanent solution and should be disposed of properly after use

Sand and Sandbag Requests in Pembroke
If you require sand and bags for your property, please contact the City of Pembroke Operations Department at 613-735-6821 ext. 1409. Please provide your name, address, and the approximate number of bags required.

The current river levels at Pembroke have reached minor flood levels. The level is forecasted to continue to rise slowly over the next few days as the snowmelt continues in the northern portion of the Ottawa River.

The precipitation we are receiving is expected to continue throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend.

The total rainfall by Sunday is expected to reach up to 30mm.

Residents are reminded that sandbagging is an effective way to help reduce flood damage when done properly. Sandbags should be filled only halfway to two-thirds full (approximately 35–40 lbs) so they can be shaped and stacked tightly and placed in staggered rows like bricks to create a solid barrier. A small trench can help anchor the first layer, and plastic sheeting placed beneath and over the bags can improve water resistance. Sandbag walls should be built wider than they are high and positioned slightly away from structures to reduce pressure on foundations. Residents should also use proper lifting techniques and wear gloves to prevent injury.

If you require sand and bags for your property, please contact the City of Pembroke Operations Department at 613-735-6821 extension 1409.

Please be sure to give your name, address, and the approximate amount of bags you require.

Hard copy sealed tenders, clearly marked as to its contents, will be received by Ms. Marsha Hawthorne, Purchasing Manager/Deputy Treasurer, City of Pembroke, Operations Department, 460 River Road, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1A1 until 2:00:59 PM, LOCAL TIME, Thursday, May 7th, 2026.

Tenders will be opened in public and broadcast by way of a Microsoft Teams meeting. Unofficial bid results will be emailed to all those who submitted bids, shortly after tender closing. Language of tender submissions is English.

Construction consists of asphalt resurfacing on River Road from Town Line Road to Bell Street with a length of approximately 620 m. Works will include asphalt resurfacing by means of milling 40mm of surface pavement, concrete works with the removal and reinstate of areas of sidewalk, curb works, including removals and installation of depressed curbs, and placement of 40-60mm of new asphalt with crossfall correction and installation of a Pedestrian Cross over (PXO).

Complete tender documents, in an electronic PDF version, may be obtained from Egis Canada Ltd., 750 Palladium Drive, Suite 310, Kanata, Ontario, K2V 1C7, on payment of a non-refundable cost of $25.00 per set via Credit card or Cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Egis Canada Ltd.  Tender sets will be available for distribution beginning on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, during regular office hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm).

All questions relating to this tender request will be received in writing up to and no later than 12:00 pm local time on Thursday, April 30th, 2026.

The successful bidder will be required to file with the City of Pembroke the specified insurance within ten (10) business days of being awarded the Contract.

The procurement of goods and services specified in the tender documents is subject to the provision of the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement (OQTCA).

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders.  The lowest or any Tender may not necessarily be accepted.

Jeff Horton, P. Eng
Egis Canada Ltd.
750 Palladium Drive, Suite 310
Kanata, Ontario, K2V 1C7T
613-903-5775

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CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PETAWAWA, CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PEMBROKE, AND CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAURENTIAN VALLEY

 CONTRACT NO. PW-11-2026

 Request for Proposal for the Collection of Municipal Curbside Waste for the Town of Petawawa, City of Pembroke, and Township of Laurentian Valley

­­Electronic proposals, with the subject line referencing PW-11-2026 and the firm’s name, will be received by Petawawa Public Works, until 10:00 AM, LOCAL TIME, Wednesday May 6, 2026.

 For the contract services as outlined in the RFP documents including but not limited to the curbside collection and transport of solid waste from the Town of Petawawa, City of Pembroke, and Township of Laurentian Valley. These Partner municipalities are stakeholders with the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre (OVWRC) and currently provide curbside collection service of garbage, source separated organics, leaf/yard waste, and large item collection.

Complete tender documents may be obtained digitally from the Town of Petawawa, by emailing their office as noted below, after 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14TH, 2026. An email will be returned with the requested documentation.

Email for proposal document registration: Petawawa Public Works with the subject line “RFP Request – Collection of Municipal Curbside Waste”.

Hard copy sealed tenders, clearly marked as to contents and on forms supplied by the City, will be received by Ms. Marsha Hawthorne, Purchasing Manager/Deputy Treasurer, City of Pembroke, Operations Department, 460 River Road, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1A1 until 2:00:59 p.m., Local Time, Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Electronic submissions are not acceptable.  Tenders will be in opened in public and broadcasted the tender opening by way of a Microsoft Teams meeting.  Unofficial bid results will be emailed to all those who submitted bids, shortly after tender closing.  Language of tender submissions is English.

Complete tender documents, in an electronic PDF version, may be obtained through email request to purchasing.  Tender documents will be available for distribution beginning on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during regular office hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm).

All questions relating to these tender requests will be received in writing up to and no later than 12:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders.  The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Marsha Hawthorne
Purchasing Manager/Deputy Treasurer
City of Pembroke
Operations Department
460 River Road
Pembroke, ON K8A 1A1
Telephone: (613) 735-6821 ext. 1408
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By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

April 13-19, 2026

as

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW)

in the City of Pembroke.

WHEREAS emergencies can strike without warning, requiring immediate action and the involvement of highly trained emergency services; and

WHEREAS the Ambulance Communications Officers of the Renfrew Central Ambulance Communications Centre serve as the vital first point of contact in these critical moments, providing calm, professional, and compassionate support to those in need; and

WHEREAS Ambulance Communications Officers coordinate paramedic services and fire departments across a large and diverse geographic area, ensuring the right resources are sent where they are needed, when they are needed; and

WHEREAS their knowledge, skill, and ability to remain composed under pressure play a critical role in the timely and effective response to emergencies, helping to protect life and property; and

WHEREAS their work connects the public with emergency responders, supporting both those in distress and the personnel responding to calls for service; and

WHEREAS their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety contribute daily to the well-being and resilience of our community; and

WHEREAS National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week provides an opportunity to recognize and thank these individuals for the essential role they play in emergency response;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Mayor Ron Gervais, do hereby proclaim April 13–19, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the City of Pembroke, and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of our local Ambulance Communications Officers.

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 7th day of April 2026

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

April 2026

as

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas Parkinson’s disease, for which there is no known cure, is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder which can cause tremors or trembling of the arms and legs, muscular rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with speaking and swallowing; and

Whereas the Parkinson Society of Canada provides information, consultation, support services and educational seminars for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families to promote better understanding of this disorder; and

Whereas it is desirable to increase the level of understanding of Parkinson’s disease and the needs of persons living with this disease.

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, do hereby proclaim April, 2026, as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in the City of Pembroke.

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 7th day of April 2026

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

April 2026

as

Cancer Awareness Month

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas people in our community are touched by cancer every day; and

Whereas nearly 1 in 2 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime; and

Whereas:  over 100 Canadian Cancer Society volunteers in the City of Pembroke along with thousands of volunteers across Ontario are showing their support for people living with cancer throughout the month of April; and

Whereas for more than 50 years, people in our community have helped the Canadian Cancer Society during the Daffodil Month campaign raise funds for cancer patients and their families through life-saving cancer research, support services, and other important work that means fewer people will be affected by the disease; and

Whereas the daffodil is the symbol of strength and courage, a symbol of life for the Canadian Cancer Society and in April hundreds of volunteers will be knocking on doors and selling daffodil pins in our community to raise funds and inviting others to join in the fight by wearing a daffodil pin.

Therefore I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, do hereby proclaim the month of April, to be Cancer Awareness Month, and urge all citizens of Pembroke to join the fight and give generously to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 7th day of April, 2026

Effective Monday, April 6th to Friday, June 19th, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Paul Martin Dr. between City Limits and Boundary Rd./Mud Lake Rd. will be subject to slight disruptions, lane width narrowing, and speed limit reductions to facilitate road paving and bridge repairs.

The City of Pembroke asks that drivers always respect the posted construction signage.

Some delays can be expected, and the travelling public is encouraged to use alternate routes.

You are also reminded that the businesses within the construction zone remain open and would be happy to serve you.

We thank you for your patience as the City of Pembroke continues to improve our infrastructure.

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Public Works Week Open House

Dive into the exciting world of public works at our free open house. Learn about the work that goes on behind the scenes to provide the services you rely upon every day. Join us for this fun, interactive open house! Learn about the programs, equipment and people who work behind the scenes to keep our lights on, taps flowing, toilets flushing and roads operating smoothly.

This year's event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, featuring:

• Multiple stations, with interactive displays
• Get up close to trucks, loaders and other heavy duty equipment 
• Test your running speed against our speed camera
• Add your creative touch and help paint a plow blade
• Activities and demonstrations
• BBQ 4:30-6 p.m. (by donation)

Where: 460 River Road
When: 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

Would you like to book a tour of the Water Plant or Pollution Control Center?

Tours are being offered at 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30. Pre-registration is required. Please email blowe@pembroke.ca or call 613-735-6821 Ext. 1485 to register.