Montrealers will have to give up basement apartments and convert that part of their home into living space because of the risk of flooding caused by climate change, according to the water manager on the executive committee of the City of Montreal, Maja Vodanović.
“In the future, we will no longer be able to have basement housing,” said Mr.me Vodanović on Monday evening during the municipal council meeting, while answering questions from citizens affected by the torrential rains of August 9.
Several flooded homeowners took advantage of the question period for elected officials to ask for help from the City and for improvements to municipal infrastructure to make it more effective during heavy downpours.
“In recent years, I have been flooded twice a year. I have four tenants in the basement, but I had to tell them to leave,” said Saint-Léonard resident Pasquale Agostinelli, who said he travelled with about fifty residents from his neighbourhood.
Too expensive facilities
Even if the city doubled the capacity of sewer pipes and built multiple retention basins, it would not be enough to prevent flooding caused by extreme weather events, which will become more frequent, Vodanović explained.
Moreover, such developments would take decades and cost millions of dollars, she said.
“You are right to stop renting out your basement apartments,” she said.
These spaces should not be furnished with carpet, expensive furniture or electronics, she added, as another resident recounted the losses she suffered.
Government compensation
Mayor Valérie Plante has asked the Quebec government to review its disaster compensation program so that victims of sewer backups can receive financial assistance following the storm. Debby.
“It is essential to review the compensation program so that it also adapts to climate change and the flooding it causes, regardless of whether the victims are next to a river or not,” she told the city council.
“These events are causing more and more distress, dismay and stress among the population. Many are now unable to obtain insurance.”
After the August 9 floods, Premier François Legault had mentioned that he might extend government compensation to victims of sewer backups. But the program was ultimately not expanded.
In Montreal, the vast majority of floods are due to backups or the accumulation of water in the streets: since the sewer infrastructure was unable to absorb all the rain, it seeped in through doors, windows and garage doors.
However, the Quebec government’s compensation program only covers victims who have been flooded or have suffered backflow due to the overflowing of a watercourse.
Help with adaptation
Mayor Plante also reiterated her requests to the Quebec government to help cities adapt to climate change.
She recalled that Montreal was banking on sponge parks and the addition of green spaces to allow rainwater to drain away, but also on improving the water and sewer networks.
“After decades of neglect, there is a lot of catching up to do, and that is why there is more and more work. Even if citizens tell us that there are too many construction sites, we will continue, rather than shoveling ahead like other administrations have done before us,” said Mr.me Plant.