Increasingly intense and frequent bad weather, a symptom of climate change, will continue to cause significant damage in Quebec, which is why the government must adapt the General Financial Assistance Program (PGAF) in the event of a disaster based on this new reality, argues the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM).
The PGAF must in particular cover the costs incurred by sewer backups caused by episodes of torrential rain or by infiltration, the CMM indicated in a press release issued on Tuesday evening.
She gives as an example the recent passage of the storm Debbywhich caused over 150 mm of rainfall in the region in half a day, and even over 180 mm in the north of the metropolitan area.
“These amounts of rain represent more than double the values recorded over 24 hours in the last 20 years,” notes the CMM, citing its experts.
Although Prime Minister François Legault announced the expansion of the PGAF last Thursday to compensate more Debby victims, the CMM believes that the criteria for this expansion remain “vague or unsuitable.” The organization indicates in particular that the government website where the terms of the program are detailed still indicates that sewer backups are excluded.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Quebec Premier François Legault
This conflicting information, the complexity of the process and the stress caused by the situation have prompted citizens to turn to their municipal officials for help.
“The phone is ringing and the emails are coming in: our citizens are confused and discouraged. They don’t know what to do or who to contact,” said Denis Martin, Mayor of Deux-Montagnes. “Many were hopeful after Mr. Legault’s announcement last week, but quickly, when they take steps, doubt sets in because the information they receive is contradictory. Please, let’s clarify all of this so as not to leave them in uncertainty. That’s the last thing they need right now.”
The situation will not improve, the CMM also warns. Even if cities try to improve their infrastructure, they will not be able to do so quickly enough to avoid further flooding caused by extreme weather conditions.
“For several years, we have been investing massively to strengthen our municipal infrastructure, with nearly $55 million dedicated this year to improving the water and sewer networks. Despite these efforts, no infrastructure could have contained such a deluge,” conceded Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval.
“What we are experiencing today is unfortunately a foretaste of the increased challenges that climate change will impose on us in the future, and we must act accordingly,” he added.
” Some [citoyens] have lost everything and need help to rebuild. And unfortunately we must expect this type of situation to happen again with the growing impact of climate change,” added Mascouche Mayor Guillaume Tremblay.