Media Releases

On Your Regular Collection Day
(Note: Collection day changes in Pembroke due to Victoria Day) 

• Material must be in open top, reusable containers, cardboard boxes or paper yard waste bags.  

• Bundled branches: Individual branches must be no more than 2 in (5 cm) in diameter or 4 ft (1.2 m) in length. Bundles must not exceed 2 ft (0.6 m) in diameter. Bundle branches with twine or other biodegradable string (no plastic or metal).  

• Leaf and Yard Waste in plastic bags (including plastic bags claiming to be biodegradable or compostable) WILL NOT be collected.

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.

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.

Overnight Thursday, November 20, the City of Pembroke experienced a major watermain break on a large diameter trunk watermain within Riverside Park between Riverside Drive and Trafalgar Road that feeds the distribution system.

Due to this break, properties between Trafalgar Road and 786 Pembroke St. W., on Pembroke Street West between George and Wilfred streets, and Miramichi Lodge were directly affected.

Water has been restored to the properties between George and Wilfred streets. Work is underway to restore water to the remaining properties except Miramichi Lodge by midnight. Temporary non-potable and fire suppression water service is expected to be up and running at Miramichi Lodge by this evening. The City will provide potable water to the home for the duration of the repair, which is expected to take two weeks.

Prior to the water being restored, potable water was supplied to the affected properties.

All water system users are asked to reduce their water consumption wherever and whenever possible during this time, but we understand people need to go about their daily lives. Consumption reduction is important to ensure stable water supply for all system users, as well as adequate fire suppression. The water is safe to consume.

Due to the specialized material and size of the pipe, and the specialized contractors to do the work, the repair is anticipated to take two weeks to complete. The City has procured the materials and contacted the contractor.

During this time, people may notice a reduction in water pressure or volume.

The next update will be provided by Monday morning on the City’s website pembroke.ca and our Facebook and Instagram platforms.

We appreciate this disruption can be inconvenient and stressful, and we greatly thank you for your cooperation during this time.

The City of Pembroke is thrilled to announce the launch of Ottawa River Transit, an innovative on-demand transit service, to enhance connectivity and convenience for residents.

Commencing operations on August 5, 2025, Ottawa River Transit (OTRC) represents a new era in public transportation within the city.

In collaboration with Mobility Transportation Specialists (MTS), ORTC brings a modern and adaptable transit solution to the residents of Pembroke. MTS will be responsible for providing top-notch vehicles, professional drivers, and efficient customer service. MTS has partnered with Blaise Transit, who will provide an advanced transit technology platform for scheduling, managing bookings, and real-time ride tracking, enhancing overall user experience and service efficiency. Both Canadian companies, MTS and Blaise Transit are experienced in working together to launch new and innovative transit services in growing communities such as Pembroke.

“As City Council lead for Pembroke’s Ottawa River Transit project, it is both an honour and a source of pride to serve in this role,” says Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah. “After years of dedicated, community-wide collaboration, I am thrilled to see this transformative three-year pilot project come to fruition.”

Mayor Ron Gervais adds, “This pilot project will provide the City the necessary information to determine if a community such as ours can offer a transit service in a sustainable and fiscally responsible way.”

The transit service will use three new Dodge ProMasters, equipped to accommodate up to eight passengers. Two of these vehicles will be in regular operation during peak service hours, with an additional unit on standby as a backup to ensure uninterrupted service.

As an initiative partly funded by City of Pembroke property taxes, ORTC will operate exclusively within city limits, offering an affordable fare of $5 per ride.

“Reliable and accessible transit is essential to student success,” says Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Dean Angela Rintoul. “The launch of Ottawa River Transit marks a significant step forward in connecting our students—and the broader community—to educational and employment opportunities. We’re excited to see this investment in mobility, inclusion, and regional growth take shape right here in Pembroke."

ORTC will debut with summer service hours as follows:

• Monday to Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday: 7 am. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After Labour Day, ORTC will extend service until 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday. There will be no service on Sundays and statutory holidays.

Operating on a "stop-to-stop" model, ORTC will serve numerous virtual stops throughout the city. Passengers can anticipate an up-to five-minute walk to their designated stops, with exact details provided upon booking.

“The PBIA is thrilled to see the launch of the new on-demand transit service,” says Pembroke Business Improvement Area Executive Director Bethea Summers. “This initiative will make it easier for more people to shop and dine in our vibrant downtown. It will be especially beneficial for the many employees working in the downtown core, providing them with a convenient transportation option. Additionally, visitors staying at nearby hotels will now have an accessible and affordable way to experience all that downtown Pembroke has to offer.”

To use the ORTC service, you simply “book, ride, and go”. Riders can conveniently book a trip, up to seven days in advance, three ways:

• By smartphone with the Blaise Transit app: For the most interactive experience, riders are encouraged to use the Blaise Transit app, where they can also receive real-time updates and notifications.
• By computer through the Blaise web booking portal: Accessible via any computer for users who prefer web-based interactions.
• On the phone with the ORTC Customer Service: A dedicated line at 613-631-1766 is available for direct assistance in booking rides.

To best ensure a smooth ride, riders should be at their stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time, as the bus does not wait for late arrivals. Riders have the option to book their trip based on either departure or arrival time. If a rider has an appointment, book by arrival time to make sure on-time arrival at the destination.

"We congratulate the City of Pembroke for bringing this project to life,” says Sophie Leblanc, Blaise's Head of Business Development. “ORTC will help increase access to healthcare, education, jobs, social activities, and the like for all residents. Blaise Transit is proud to be the technology partner in this initiative, and we're excited to see it grow over the coming years."

ORTC is committed to excellence and values rider feedback. Riders are encouraged to rate their experience and leave valuable comments through the Blaise Transit app, helping to continually refine and enhance the service. In addition, the City is planning a formal six-month review and survey of residents to ensure this new service meets the community’s needs.

Organized as an initial three-year pilot project, the City of Pembroke invites all residents to experience the future of city transit with Ottawa River Transit. Join us in our mission to make public transportation more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly.