Crews are working overtime to pick up the mess left by the microburst on Tuesday, and it’s a sight residents of Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough will have to get used to.
“There will be debris in the streets of NDG for weeks and weeks to come,” NDG borough Mayor Russell Copeman said.
“We authorized all the overtime. The only restriction on our workers is how long they can work legally before taking a break. We’ve opened the taps to the maximum.”
The storm damaged an estimated 100 homes, “scores and scores of cars” and 400 trees.
The borough is asking for patience.
“We are moving as fast as we can with the assistance that we have,” Copeman added.
READ MORE: Power outages, fallen trees after intense storm hits Montreal
Crews from different cities and boroughs have been helping.
“There’s a lot of work to do because there’s a lot of trees that damaged houses, cars so we need to remove them,” said Pierre Boutin, NDG’s director of public works.
WATCH BELOW: NDG Borough Mayor Russell Copeman explains how to proceed if you want compensation from the borough.
The borough’s priorities are clearing the streets and sidewalks.
Driveways will follow.
NDG Park closed until further notice
NDG Park was one of the hardest-hit areas.
It’s why it will remain closed indefinitely until officials make sure it’s safe.
They’re are asking people to stay away from the park.
“It would be absolutely tragic if someone was injured in this park because of fallen branches,” Copeman said.
READ MORE: Fire officials ask people in NDG to stay away from areas damaged by powerful storm
Copeman said there’s “tonnes and tonnes of wood” leftover.
But not all will go to waste.
They’re planning on re-purposing wood from the fallen trees for recycling and art.
“We will do our very best to try and recycle some of this terrible damage into something that’s positive for the people of NDG,” Copeman said.