New flooding rules to come into effect this summer

The city of Montreal is creating new rules to prevent flooding damage in buildings on the island. Sixteen boroughs are adopting the regulations. They require certain owners to install a pumping system and check valves in their buildings.  The system will force the water away in the event of a flood.

The rules apply to buildings which have flooded in the past, have ongoing renovation or are under construction. Property owners who do not comply could face fines of up to $700.

The city is also upgrading its water and sewage systems to cope with the heavier rainfall expected in coming years.

The regulations come into effect on July 1st for most boroughs and on Sept. 1 in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.