Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is escalating flood measures as of Thursday, warning residents water levels could peak in the coming days.
“The threat is direct and concrete,” she said.
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Waterfront areas such as Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Île-Bizard are particularly at risk. She said the city’s main priority is protecting shoreline residents from the dangers of flooding.
“I am asking you to take all necessary precautions, to look after your neighbours,” she said.
WATCH: The City of Montreal is on high alert as flooding continues in Quebec. Mayor Valérie Plante says water levels will rise.
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In Quebec, severe spring flooding has hit nearly 2,500 homes and forced 919 residents from their homes as of Thursday afternoon, according to the latest information from Urgence Quebec.
More than 2,100 homes are also isolated across the province due to washed out roads and landslides.
Authorities are bracing for the worst as flooding continues in several areas, including Rigaud, Laval, Lachute Gatineau and the Laurentians. They say rain forecast for the coming days and melting snow could further raise the water levels in the span between Gatineau and Montreal.
In Laval, the bridge to Île Bigras was closed as of 11 a.m. Thursday until further notice for safety reasons. The Canadian Armed Forces are setting up barriers along the Rivière des Mille Îles.
Rigaud predicts historic flood levels
In Rigaud, located about 80 kilometres west of Montreal, authorities say water levels will break records and reach the 100-year mark before they start to recede.
“Residents affected by the floods need to be aware that the rising water will continue and recovery will take weeks,” said the city in a statement.
The rising river has also washed out the Bas-de-la-Rivière Road. Local officials say residents living on the other side of the street are now completely isolated from the rest of the city.
The only way to access that part of Rigaud is by boat or foot. Christine McCarthy, who lives in the area, compared it to the historic 2017 floods.
“I wish last time would have been the last time,” she said. “But, unfortunately, I think with this weather pattern changing, this is going to be our new normal.”
Île-Perrot, located off the western tip of Montreal, is also asking shoreline residents to be ready to leave in the coming days.
Avoid flooded areas, roads: authorities
As water levels increase and six major floods are underway across the province, Urgence Quebec is asking residents to be careful.
Drivers are advised to stay off washed over roads and structures because it could push walls of water into homes and buildings.
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“You risk provoking unnecessary waves that will heighten the anxiety of those affected,” Urgence Quebec said.
For Montreal residents, there is an online map available showing real-time street closures.
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— With files from Global News’ Brayden Jagger Haines, Elysia Bryan-Baynes and The Canadian Press
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