Tonino Felicissimo and his son, David, say their home is completely unrecognizable.
Felicissimo, 76, has lived in his Cartierville home, north west of downtown Montreal, with his wife for the last 39 years.
He said he was devastated to see it submerged in water four months ago during the intense Quebec spring floods.
READ MORE: Quebec Floods: Cartierville residents band together to save street from flooding
“They received about eight feet of water in total,” said David.
“Their basement was completely submerged, the first floor had about two feet of water.”
The home is located on Cousineau Street, just a few dozen feet away from the Rivière des Prairies.
When the flooding started in May, the family says numerous politicians visited the area to show support — but when the water receded, so did the help.
READ MORE: Quebec floods: Victims organizing rally to get government’s attention
“It’s a lot of talk, but very, very little action,” said David.
“Everybody is saying it was an extraordinary event and they’re emphatic towards the residents — that said, there hasn’t been anything done yet.”
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David said he has already submitted multiple compensation claims.
But until now, the family has yet to receive any money, or even have an inspector come to the home.
READ MORE: Quebec floods: More access to compensation money for victims
To date, his parents have spent around $50,000 to demolish and decontaminate, and they estimate it’ll cost another $50,000 to $100,000 to rebuild.
David says the stress has taken a toll on his father.
“A week after this happened, my dad, just on these steps, passed out and had to have a four-hour operation for a ripped aorta,” he told Global News.
“He’s recovered miraculously since then, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the events may have lead to him being ill.”
Global News reached out to Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux for comment on the family’s file; a spokesperson says they will be in touch with them shortly.
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