Municipalities across Montreal’s West Island are continuing flood mitigation efforts as rising water levels, saturated ground, and incoming rainfall increase the risk of spring flooding along key waterways.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community activated its Special Intervention Plan on Apr. 15 in response to rising spring flood risks, as water levels along the Ottawa River and Rivière des Prairies continue to climb. Preventive measures are underway across Montreal’s West Island, including dike installations, pumps and flood-control systems in Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève and Ahuntsic-Cartierville, while Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Senneville prepare for potential mitigation efforts.
In Pierrefonds-Roxboro, among the areas most exposed to flooding along the Rivière des Prairies, mitigation efforts are focused on early deployment of protective infrastructure. Borough Mayor Jim Beis said equipment has been positioned in advance, including pumps and sandbags, to ensure crews can act quickly if water levels rise.
“We’ve already had pumps that are on standby, ready to be installed at a moment’s notice,” Beis says, adding that materials are being delivered to strategic locations in vulnerable zones.
Temporary barriers and flood-response equipment have been staged along shorelines, with municipal teams monitoring water levels daily and adjusting interventions as needed.
In L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, officials are maintaining close surveillance of water levels and reinforcing known flood-prone areas. The borough has implemented its flood response plan, including the placement of temporary barriers and the preparation of pumping systems in low-lying zones. Sunday, the Minister of Public Security, Ian Lafrenière, Member of the National Assembly for Vachon, was on site to assess the situation in L’Île-Mercier. “I was there to see the flood situation firsthand, to support the municipalities, and to encourage the dedicated staff,” he said.
In a statement, Danielle Myrand, mayor of L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, said operations are continuing on the ground, with sandbag deliveries ongoing to targeted residences, construction of a shared dike advancing in the Jean-Yves, Paquin and Roy sectors, and pumps installed on Île Mercier and at the Les Cèdres pumping station. She added that teams are fully mobilized and working according to plan. Pumps are installed and more are being added. Buoys have been put in place, and a 6-foot buoy was installed by divers. The mayoress stressed that the existing dikes will be raised, and new dikes will be installed, particularly on the Sainte-Geneviève side. Additional pumps will be deployed, and deliveries of sandbags will continue to be made to residents.
Given the area’s exposure to both the Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes, authorities are prepared to scale up measures quickly if conditions worsen.
In Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, water levels along Lac des Deux Montagnes have been rising steadily and are approaching moderate flood thresholds. Municipal response efforts are centered on continuous monitoring and preparedness, with residents in at-risk areas encouraged to remain vigilant and take preventative measures. The town has activated its flood preparedness protocols, including regular tracking of water levels and coordination with regional emergency officials.
As of Apr. 20, the situation remained discouraging, with an increased level to “average flooding’ one notch below “major’ which is concerning for residents. The current average flooding level has increased to 24.03m on the Lake of Two Mountains side of the town, while the Lac St-Louis station is currently listed as “under surveillance”
In Pointe-Claire, Mayor John Belvedere is overseeing preparedness efforts as the city monitors evolving conditions. Municipal crews have staged equipment and reviewed emergency response procedures, ensuring resources can be deployed quickly if needed. The city is maintaining a proactive approach, focusing on readiness and coordination with neighbouring municipalities.
In Senneville, municipal officials have taken a precautionary approach by positioning protective materials and ensuring response teams are ready to act. Preparations included staging pumps and barriers in areas that could become vulnerable if water levels continue to rise.
Authorities across all municipalities emphasize that flood mitigation is a shared responsibility. Residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to install protective measures, monitor official advisories and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change. n