Municipalities in Quebec are gearing up for potential flooding, with Montreal escalating to the highest level of alert for flood-related emergency measures. Richard Liebmann, Montreal’s fire department chief and emergency measures coordinator, announced the move during a press briefing. He revealed plans to operate a coordination center round-the-clock starting Friday to oversee the ongoing measures in response to the expected 25 millimeters of rainfall.
Liebmann assured that teams have been actively engaged in preparations for several days, although Montreal has not yet experienced any flooding incidents. In Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough, workers have been mobilizing sandbags towards Château Pierrefonds Avenue to construct modular dikes within the next 24 hours. Mayor Jim Beis highlighted the vulnerability of western Pierrefonds to flooding, attributing residents’ concerns to climate change and the recurrent threat of flooding.
Jean Brazeau, overseeing the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions for Quebec’s Public Security Ministry, predicted rising water levels in Montreal-area rivers like Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes. Meanwhile, Laval reported minor street flooding in Fabreville and Laval West. Mayor Mathieu Traversy of Terrebonne assured the city’s readiness for potential flooding, mentioning increased monitoring efforts to track rising water levels closely.
Evacuations have already begun, with around 13 Mont-Tremblant residents affected by flooding and some already relocated. Brazeau anticipates this number to rise to 35 homes over the weekend. In Rawdon municipality, two residents have been evacuated due to heightened water levels along Rivière Ouareau. The Public Security Ministry and its partners have established a coordination team to prepare for potential floods and assist municipalities in their response efforts.
Saint-Jérôme has closed the Viau Bridge over Rivière du Nord as a precautionary measure due to the river’s high flow rate. The closure, effective since Wednesday evening, will remain until further notice, with a detour plan in place for affected residents. The city advises riverside residents to stay vigilant and monitor updates on its website and social media platforms.
In Rigaud, residents are warned about rising water levels along the Ottawa River, reaching the threshold for minor flooding. The city highlighted similarities to the 2023 floods and urged preparedness. As of Thursday afternoon, no immediate concerns were raised for the Pointe-Fortune area, with ongoing preparations including sand distribution and wave barrier installations.
The current conditions are attributed to heavier snowfall in the northern Laurentians and early winter, leading to snowmelt contributing to rising water levels. Mild temperatures and rainfall exacerbate the situation, prompting officials to emphasize caution. As temperatures rise, increased meltwater flow from the north into the Ottawa River watershed could impact Lac des Deux Montagnes and Montreal. Residents are advised to stay updated through their municipalities’ social media and websites for further guidance.