Quebec Floods: Montreal lifts state of emergency

At a press conference Saturday afternoon, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced that a state of emergency put in May 7 to deal with unprecedented flooding on the island would be lifted as of noon Sunday.

Water levels on the Rivière des Prairies and the Lac des Deux-Montagnes have been receding, making it possible for some residents to begin re-entering their homes.

Coderre lauded the efforts of all those involved in providing assistance to flood victims, but said that much work remains.

“Water levels continue to fall and the situation has considerably improved. The declaration of the state of emergency has allowed us to rapidly and efficiently implement the necessary measures to provide assistance to citizens. We are now progressively entering the phase of recovery,” Coderre said in a written statement.

While the city reassured residents that resources remained mobilized for emergency responses, officials are hoping to be able to begin clean-up operations as soon as the situation allows.

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In Pierrefonds, one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods, the borough is offering daily waste collection for the next seven days to help residents dispose of goods damaged by flood waters, including large items and electronics.

Two waste disposal sites have also been made available, where residents cleaning up their property can get rid of their waste free of charge 24/7.

The two locations are on Pierrefonds Boulevard:

• The main one is at 13775, at the corner of René-Émard Street
• A second, smaller site can be found at 18661, on the corner of Château-Pierrefonds

Sandbags that aren’t being used can be dropped off at either location, near provided containers.

READ MORE: As flood waters recede, here’s what to do with all those sandbags

Residents are slowly being allowed to re-enter their homes, but under strict guidelines to ensure their safety.

The city is requiring that homes be inspected by city specialists prior to people returning and that evacuees heed individualized safety instructions given to them.

Additional safety measures recommended by the city include:

• Ensure that heating and electricity systems are working correctly
• Check the general state of the building
• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check for mould
• Document damages (take photos and keep a written log)
• Be sure of food and water quality before consuming

For more information, affected residents can visit the City of Montreal website or call 311.

Coderre also announced that commercial or residential property owners whose buildings were damaged during the spring floods would be granted a delay in paying their property taxes.

Those affected now have until Dec. 1, 2017 to pay their second installment.

Coderre also said he would allow for owners to have their properties re-evaluated if they felt the value of their holdings had gone down as a result of the floods.

Those wanting to have their property re-evaluated are being asked to call the Assessment Service at 514-280-3825.

Coderre expressed hope the measures would offer flood victims some respite in this difficult time.