High winds have triggered a significant power outage in Ottawa, impacting thousands of residents and businesses. As of March 17, 2026, approximately 26,000 customers experienced outages during the peak of the high winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.
By 2 p.m., power had been restored to 24,200 customers, leaving about 1,800 still without service. Crews from Hydro Ottawa have prioritized repairs that pose serious safety hazards and are focusing on critical infrastructure to ensure a swift return to normalcy.
Customers in areas such as Stittsville, Kanata, and South March have been particularly affected. Hydro Ottawa, which serves around 372,000 homes and businesses across Ottawa and Casselman, is actively working to restore power to those still impacted.
In a statement, Hydro Ottawa expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this challenging time. “Hydro Ottawa is incredibly grateful for the community’s continued patience as we work to restore power,” a spokesperson stated.
Safety remains a top priority amid the ongoing windy conditions. Residents are advised to stay at least 10 metres away from any downed power lines. “Safety remains the number one priority amid these windy conditions,” Hydro Ottawa emphasized.
Environment Canada has also warned that these strong winds could lead to areas of blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility. The weather conditions are a contributing factor to the outages, complicating restoration efforts.
Hydro Ottawa will continue to provide updates on the situation through their outage map, keeping customers informed about the status of power restoration.
This incident highlights the challenges posed by severe weather and the importance of community cooperation during such events. Hydro Ottawa has been dedicated to delivering clean, safe, and reliable power for over a century, and they are committed to restoring service as quickly as possible.
