I have been flooded three times in the past four years. These incidents occurred during major rainfalls in the winter and fall of 2024, and, most recently, this year. Each of these floods caused extensive damage to our property, and it’s heart-wrenching to see our homes and belongings submerged in water, knowing all of it could have been prevented with better infrastructure.

The city of Dollard Des Ormeaux and its surrounding West Island boroughs are home to thousands of families who, like me, are vulnerable to the severe consequences of outdated stormwater systems. Our infrastructure is no longer capable of handling the increasing instances of extreme weather due to climate change. This is not just an issue of inconvenience or property damage; it’s about safety, public health, and the economic stability of our community.

According to the Government of Canada, the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events have increased over the past decades, a trend that is projected to continue due to climate change. The current stormwater management system, originally designed decades ago, was not intended to cope with these modern-day challenges. It is apparent that without urgent upgrades and enhancements, the flooding problem will only worsen, putting more residents at risk and placing a growing financial burden on our city.

We urge the city officials of Dollard Des Ormeaux and the surrounding West Island boroughs to act swiftly and prioritize the rehabilitation and updating of our stormwater infrastructure. This revamp should focus on improving drainage systems, increasing the capacity, efficiency and retention or delay of our stormwater facilities, and incorporating modern technologies that can better manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Implementing these changes will not only protect our homes and businesses from future flooding but will also contribute to the resilience and sustainability of our community in the face of climate change. It is crucial for the city's decision-makers to allocate the necessary resources and develop a strategic plan focused on infrastructure not just for today, but for the generations to come.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action and commitment from our local government towards an infrastructure overhaul that our community desperately needs and deserves.