Rising Water Levels in Montreal, Laval, and the North Shore: How Homeowners Can Prepare for Spring Flooding
- Davide
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Spring in Montreal, Laval, and the North Shore brings a familiar threat—rising water levels. With melting snow, heavy rains, and ice jams, local rivers swell, putting thousands of homes at risk. Climate change has also made flooding more frequent and severe, making flood prevention crucial for homeowners.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
The areas most vulnerable to flooding. Why spring flooding happens, How new technologies can help keep water out of your home, Best practices for flood prevention.
Why Do Water Levels Rise in Spring?
Heavy Rainfall – Intense spring rains increase runoff and overload drainage systems.
Rapid Snowmelt – Sudden temperature increases cause large amounts of snow to melt quickly, leading to overflowing rivers.
Ice Jams – Ice buildup in rivers blocks water flow, causing water to spill into residential areas.
River Swelling – The St. Lawrence River, Rivière des Prairies, Rivière des Mille Îles, and Rivière L’Assomption all experience seasonal surges, impacting homes nearby.
High-Risk Flood Zones in Montreal, Laval, and the North Shore
Certain areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to their low elevation, proximity to rivers, and historical flood patterns.
Montreal High-Risk Areas
Pierrefonds-Roxboro – Frequent spring flooding from the Rivière des Prairies.
Ahuntsic-Cartierville – High risk due to its location along Rivière des Prairies.
Île-Bizard – An island community surrounded by flood-prone waterways.
Lachine – Low-lying zones near the Lachine Canal can flood.
Senneville – Exposed to rising water from nearby rivers.
Laval High-Risk Areas
Sainte-Dorothée – Floods frequently due to Rivière des Mille Îles.
Laval-sur-le-Lac – Directly exposed to fluctuating river levels.
Fabreville – Prone to water overflow from nearby water bodies.
Îles-Laval – Surrounded by rivers, making it highly susceptible to floods.
North Shore High-Risk Areas
Boisbriand – Next to the Rivière des Mille Îles, facing frequent flooding.
Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac – Affected by dike breaches in 2017 and 2019.
Deux-Montagnes – Located on the Lake of Two Mountains, making it vulnerable.
Terrebonne – Faces rising water levels from Rivière des Mille Îles.
Repentigny – Exposed to Rivière L’Assomption, which rises quickly in spring.
Mascouche – Has a history of flooding due to rapid snowmelt.
Flood Risk Map of Montreal & Surrounding Areas
Here is an official flood risk map that outlines areas prone to seasonal flooding:
Innovative Technologies to Keep Water Out of Your Home
1. Smart Sump Pumps How It Works: Smart sump pumps offer real-time monitoring via your phone and automatically activate during power outages.
Best Option:
Wi-Fi-Connected Sump Pumps – Sends alerts to your phone when water levels rise.
Battery-Backup Sump Pumps – Keeps working even during power outages.
2. Water-Activated Flood Barriers
How It Works: These expandable barriers absorb water and create an instant flood wall, preventing water from reaching doors, garages, and driveways.
3. Backwater Valves
How It Works: Backwater valves prevent sewage from backing up into your basement during floods. Many cities, including Montreal and Laval, offer rebates for installing them.
4. Permeable Driveways & Landscaping Solutions
How It Works: Instead of allowing rainwater to pool near your foundation, permeable driveways and landscaping materials absorb water into the ground.
Traditional Flood Prevention Steps
Seal foundation cracks – Prevents water seepage.
Extend downspouts – Move rainwater at least 6 feet from your home.
Grade the soil away from your home – Ensures proper drainage.
Install a sump pump with a battery backup – Essential for all flood-prone homes.
Keep sandbags on hand – Adds an extra layer of protection.
What You Need to Purchase for Flood Protection
Pumps that run on the pressure from your main water line and the Battery backup.
Water (Liberty Pumps SJ10 1-1/2-Inch Discharge SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Pump - 1.5 Inch, Gray)
https://amzn.to/3XrZdeW Battery (Glentronics BWD12-120C 2200-Gallons Per Hour Basement Watchdog Big Dog Battery Back-Up Sump Pump System)
Flood barriers (VEVOR 17FT x 6IN Flood Barriers, Water Flood Dam Bags 8 Pack, Water Barriers for Flooding, Water Activated Flood Barriers for Home, Doorway, Driveway)
Downspots extenders (2-Pack Rain Gutter Downspout Extensions: Drain Downspout Extender Flexible Extendable from 21 to 60 Inches | Rainwater Drainage Down Spout with Gutter Connector & 8PCS Screws (White))
How to Build a Basement and Waterproof It to Prevent Flooding
A properly designed and waterproofed basement is essential for flood prevention. Here are the key steps to ensure your basement remains dry and resilient against flooding:
1. Foundation Construction
Use reinforced concrete with proper grading to channel water away from the foundation.
Install a waterproof membrane around the exterior foundation walls to prevent water infiltration.
Ensure the footing drains are placed correctly and connect them to a sump pump system.
2. Exterior Waterproofing
Apply a liquid or sheet waterproofing membrane to the foundation walls.
Install a drainage board to guide water away from the foundation.
Extend downspouts and ensure proper grading to direct rainwater at least 6 feet away from the home.
3. Interior Waterproofing
Use waterproof coatings on interior basement walls to block moisture seepage.
Install a sump pump with a battery backup to handle excess water accumulation.
Set up a dehumidifier to control humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
4. Floor Drainage System
Implement a weeping tile or French drain system inside the basement floor to collect excess water.
Ensure the floor is slightly sloped towards the drain to facilitate proper water flow.
Cover the drainage system with gravel and a protective barrier to prevent clogging.
5. Seal and Insulate
Use high-quality sealants around windows, doors, and floor cracks.
Apply closed-cell spray foam insulation to prevent condensation and improve moisture control.
Install flood-resistant flooring materials such as vinyl or epoxy coatings.
6. Emergency Preparedness
Keep a backup power source for your sump pump in case of power outages.
Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
Have an emergency flood response plan in place, including sandbags and water barriers.
Conclusion
Spring flooding in Montreal, Laval, and the North Shore is becoming more frequent and severe. Being proactive with smart flood technology and traditional prevention methods can save your home from costly damage if you live in a high-risk area.
Don’t wait for the water to rise—take action today!
Need expert flood-proofing advice? Contact SOS Contractor for waterproofing, sump pump installation, and home protection solutions.
📩 Email: info@soscontractor.com📞 Call: 438-803-1300🌐 Visit: www.soscontractor.com
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