Flood waters slowly stabilize in Montreal, Ottawa Valley

A home is inundated by by flood waters form Lake of Two Mountains, at the foot of 20th Avenue in Sainte-Marthe-Sur-Le-Lac. (Photo: Nancy Bunce)

• Flood Warning remains in effect for Montreal, Laval and the Ottawa Valley.
• State of Emergency extended in Montreal.
• Flood Relief Fund established with the Red Cross.

Here is the latest information on the Montreal flood of 2017. This is a remarkable event for the Ottawa Valley and southern Quebec, one that can only be described as a 100 year flood. The good news is that the flood waters are slowly stabilizing today. The crest is forecast to pass to the east of Montreal by Wednesday. Until then vigilance is important, as water levels are high and swift. Late Sunday, Transport Quebec was forced to close both directions of the Galipeault Bridge form L'Ile Perrot to the Island of Montreal. The rising waters were uncomfortably close to the road surface. The closure created gridlock during the Monday morning commute. Transport Quebec has not indicated when the bridge may be reopened. To alleviate traffic woes, both the AMT Commuter Train and CIT Presque'Ile Transportation were free to all. Also Highway 30 to the south shore has waved all tolls. Many other roads are closed on the West Island and in Vaudreuil.

Volunteers are still required to fill sandbags in numerous communities. Riguad, Pointe Fortune, Vaudreuil, Ile Perrot and Ile Cadieux all require volunteer assistance. Mayor Denis Coderre announced this morning that the state of emergency, currently in effect for Montreal, will be extended another 5 days. As the Ottawa River begins to stabilize, water levels are forecast to rise on the St. Lawrence River. According to Hydro Meteo, water levels should begin to drop across the entire region by late this week. Adding insult to injury this morning, were a few snowflakes in the Montreal region, a rare May treat.

To date, 2500 residences have been directly impacted by the flood in over 150 municipalities. Mandatory evacuations are being enforced today in sections of Rigaud. The SQ Police and Armed Forces are carrying these out. In Gatineau, Federal employees were told to stay home today. Back in Montreal, dozens of schools were closed, as was McGill University. There are over 1200 Canadian Armed Forces on the ground in metro Montreal, assisting residents and authorities with flood relief.

The Quebec Government has pledged half a million dollars to the Red Cross flood relief fund. Those wishing to donate can do so at this link.