Weeks after remnants of Tropical Storm Debby brought torrential rain to Montreal last month, the city's head of water infrastructure heard from frustrated residents whose homes were flooded when sewers backed up from record-breaking rain.
In response to the widespread flooding and growing concerns about climate change, Montreal has announced a ban on the construction of new basement apartments in areas deemed prone to flooding. The decision, announced at a city council meeting on Monday, aims to mitigate the risks associated with severe weather events and protect residents from future water damage.
Montreal's Response to Flooding
Maja Vodanovic, who sits on Mayor Valerie Plante's executive committee, stated that boroughs will now have the authority to enact their own bylaws prohibiting the construction of basement dwellings in flood-prone zones. The Ville-Marie borough has already taken steps to prevent the construction of new below-street-level dwellings in flood-risk areas.
Vodanovic emphasized the importance of proactive measures to address the escalating threat of climate change and its impact on the city's infrastructure. "This is what we thought, right? Build as much as you can, and we've permitted apartments in the basements, but people who are flooded two, three times don't think it's a great idea," she remarked during an interview.
The Impact of Climate Change
The city's decision highlights the growing urgency to adapt to the changing climate. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to increased risks of flooding. The devastating storm that hit Montreal on Aug. 9, which was the costliest severe weather event in Quebec's history, underscored the vulnerability of the city's infrastructure.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the storm caused over $2.5 billion in insured losses, surpassing the damage caused by the 1998 ice storm. The IBC's preliminary assessment emphasized the significant impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
The Debate Over Sewer Infrastructure
When asked if the city should prioritize upgrading its sewer infrastructure, Vodanovic acknowledged the complexity of the issue. "Even if we rebuilt all the sewer systems in Montreal, that would cost, like, $10 billion and imagine how many years it would take, it would still be not enough because you can't build sewers big enough to contain all that water." She emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the challenges posed by climate change, including infrastructure upgrades and preventative measures.
Financial Assistance for Homeowners
For existing buildings with basement dwellings, Vodanovic suggested that owners consider using tile flooring instead of carpets and implement other preventative measures to minimize water damage. The city has expanded its RénoPlex program to provide residents with up to $20,000 for a one-unit building or up to $40,000 for multi-unit dwellings to purchase sump pumps, check valves, and make other renovations to enhance their homes' protection against water damage.
Experts Weigh In on Basement Dwellings
André Gagné, a professional building inspector and expert in building construction, echoed the concerns about the use of basements as living spaces. "We are building basements the same way we built back in the 1960s: concrete walls, French drain around the foundation, maybe a sewer system by gravity or maybe the water goes in a sump pump," he explained. Gagné argued that the current construction practices for basements are outdated and inadequate to withstand the challenges posed by increasingly severe weather events.
A Call for Provincial Action
Montreal city council has also passed a unanimous motion urging the provincial government to make changes to its financial compensation program for homeowners affected by weather-related flooding. The current program only compensates for damage caused by overland flooding, excluding sewer backups. The city council's motion seeks to expand the program to include sewer backups, recognizing the growing need for comprehensive support for residents impacted by flooding.
The Future of Montreal's Infrastructure
Montreal's decision to ban basement apartments in flood-prone areas signals a shift in the city's approach to mitigating the risks associated with climate change. The move, along with the city's call for provincial action on financial compensation for flood damage, underscores the need for a collaborative effort to address the challenges posed by increasingly extreme weather events. As the city continues to navigate the complexities of climate change, its efforts to adapt and protect its residents from the impacts of extreme weather will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure and the well-being of its communities.
