Residents demand action after devastating floods
Residents of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, are urging the city to provide more support after severe flooding struck the area. The floods, which occurred in late June 2026, caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving many families struggling to recover.
According to local officials, the flooding overwhelmed drainage systems and led to water levels rising rapidly, inundating basements and damaging roads. Many residents reported losses of personal belongings and structural damage to their properties.
City response under scrutiny
Dollard-des-Ormeaux Mayor Alex Bottausci acknowledged the devastation but said the city is limited in its resources. “We are doing everything we can, but we need provincial and federal assistance to upgrade our infrastructure,” Bottausci said in a statement. However, residents argue that the city has been slow to act on long-standing drainage issues.
“We’ve been asking for better drainage for years, and nothing happens until a disaster strikes,” said resident Marie-Claude Lefebvre. “Now we’re left to clean up the mess with little help.”
Call for long-term solutions
The flooding has reignited calls for a comprehensive flood mitigation plan. Residents are demanding investments in stormwater management, including larger culverts, retention ponds, and improved pumping stations. They also want the city to create a financial assistance program for affected homeowners.
Data from Environment Canada shows that the region received over 100 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, a record for the month of June. Climate experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Provincial and federal aid needed
Quebec’s Public Security Ministry has declared the area a disaster zone, unlocking some provincial funds for cleanup. However, residents say the process to claim compensation is cumbersome and slow. “We need immediate help, not paperwork that takes months,” said another resident, Jean-Pierre Gagnon.
The city council is set to hold a special meeting next week to discuss flood mitigation options. Meanwhile, volunteers and local organizations are helping with cleanup efforts, but residents stress that temporary fixes are not enough.
“We need a real plan to prevent this from happening again,” Lefebvre added. “The city can’t just wait for the next flood to act.”
