Montreal Prepares for Future Floods with Long-Term Solutions and Green Infrastructure

Montrealers are experiencing repeated flooding due to heavy rainfall, with the city's sewer infrastructure being overwhelmed. Mayor Valérie Plante acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and is implementing various initiatives to address the issue, including overhauling the sewer infrastructure and building green infrastructure. Experts suggest that retrofitting the sewer network is expensive and may not address the problem entirely.

Montreal, July 2, 2025 - Montrealers are grappling with repeated flooding due to heavy rainfall, straining the city's sewer infrastructure. Mayor Valérie Plante has acknowledged that a one-size-fits-all solution is not feasible and is implementing a range of initiatives to address the issue. These measures include overhauling the sewer infrastructure and building green infrastructure.

The city's response to flooding has been multifaceted. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante visited affected areas, emphasizing that each neighborhood and street requires a unique solution. She highlighted various city initiatives, such as overhauling the sewer infrastructure in high-priority areas and constructing green infrastructure like sponge parks and retention basins [1].

Jean-Luc Martel, a professor at the École de technologie supérieur in Montreal, cautioned that retrofitting the entire sewage network could be expensive and may not solve the problem. He stressed the need to reduce surface runoff and improve green infrastructure to mitigate flooding [1].

The city's RénoPlex program offers financial assistance to homeowners for renovations or flood protection work, making it easier for residents to make their homes more resilient. Additionally, the borough of Saint-Laurent has adopted a new bylaw to level up downward-sloping garage entrances, which could help minimize flood damage for some homeowners [1].

While the city is taking steps to address the immediate flooding issues, the long-term solution lies in reducing the impact of extreme rain events. Experts suggest that homeowners can play a role by implementing green infrastructure measures like rain gardens and disconnecting gutters to allow water absorption by the lawn. Moreover, reconsidering the use of basements in flood-prone areas could significantly reduce the risk of flooding [1].

In conclusion, Montreal's response to the flooding crisis is a multi-faceted approach that combines infrastructure upgrades, green initiatives, and financial assistance for homeowners. While the city faces significant challenges, these measures aim to create a more resilient and sustainable urban environment.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-flooding-rain-mitigation-measures-1.7585839