Quebec floods: Hundreds of West Island homes may never be rebuilt

Hundreds of homes damaged in the intense flooding that ravaged much of Quebec this spring may never be rebuilt.

Of all the municipalities, Rigaud, west of the island of Montreal, was the hardest hit, according to Quebec’s Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux and Environment Minister David Heurtel.

READ MORE: Quebec floods: Residents feel ‘abandoned’ by Montreal

The trailer park in Île Bizard is particularly hit.

As many as 800 homes are considered to be “destroyed.”

The government announced that homes with less than 50 per cent damage will be rebuilt.

READ MORE: Quebec floods: Pierrefonds family welcomes victims into their home

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For homes with more than 50 per cent damage that are in the 20-year flood zone, reconstruction will not be authorized, although residents may be able to contest that decision to an independent review board.

“We understand that this decision, as necessary as it is, will have an immediate impact on those affected,” said Coiteux.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We understand that this decision, as necessary as it is, will have an immediate impact on those affected," said Coiteux.

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Homes will be considered a complete loss if:

• They are already destroyed.
• They are considered dangerous.
• Costs of repairs are more than 50 per cent of the building’s value at the time of the flood.
• They are considered uninhabitable due to health or safety reasons.

More than 5,300 residences were affected and more than 4,000 people were forced to flee their homes in 278 municipalities during the floods.

The Canadian Armed Forces were called in to help with relief efforts.

READ MORE: Quebec floods: What to do if you live in a neighbourhood affected by the flooding

Public consultations will be held on July 10 in each municipality affected by the floods.

This will give the public a chance to react to the government’s plan before it takes effect.