• To notify the city that your property has suffered damage so that we can properly document the impact of the damage sustained throughout the city, click here
• To submit a question or if you need assistance, click here
• To file a claim with the city, click here

Please note that due to the exceptionally high number of requests in connection with the flooding caused by the rains on August 9, the response time to requests may be longer than usual.

If your property was flooded on August 9 and if it is your intention to submit a claim to the Town or you would like to reserve the right to do so, you must submit a claim in writing within 15 days of the event, with the deadline being Saturday, August 24 at 11:59 pm, click here to submit your claim.

Message from the Council on the exceptional rainfall on August 9, 2024

Dear citizens, we are reaching out in the aftermath of the severe rainstorm that struck our city on August 9th, which also affected 194 other municipalities in Quebec. The extreme weather caused significant damage, affecting over a thousand properties throughout our Town, flooding homes, and disrupting the lives of residents. This disaster has deeply affected us all, whether personally or through our extended families.

We understand the deep anxiety and frustration many of you are feeling right now. Seeing your homes damaged and personal belongings lost is deeply distressing. We empathize with each and every one affected by this natural disaster. As we face these challenging times together, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

From the moment this crisis began, we have worked tirelessly to address the situation. Different phases of recovery have been planned, and we have adjusted accordingly as things developed. Over the past two weeks, we have removed over 8,000 cubic meters of flood-damaged debris, driven by our commitment to help restore a sense of normalcy to our community as quickly as possible. This service will continue until further notice to ensure that we meet the ongoing needs of our residents.

Our region experienced record-breaking rainfall that overwhelmed not only our own systems but also those of many other municipalities, including those under the responsibility of the agglomeration of Montreal. As we move into phase two of our response, we are launching several studies to gain a deeper understanding of how these systems reacted under such unprecedented conditions. Though these studies will take time, your council is committed to being transparent with the findings of these reports.

Kirkland residents have always demonstrated remarkable solidarity and resilience in challenging times, and this situation is no different. Previous adversities have shown just how strong and united our community can be, with neighbors rallying to support each other and volunteers mobilizing to assist those in need. This spirit of unity will be crucial as we face our current challenges and work towards rebuilding. Rest assured the Town of Kirkland stands firmly with its residents. We will be holding an information session in the coming weeks and will provide the details to you shortly.

Rebuilding a basement after the flood of August 9, 2024

If your basement has been affected by flooding and you need to rebuild it, you do not need a permit from the Town of Kirkland to carry out the work. If your work requires a storage container for your construction materials, we ask that you place it in your driveway and not on the street.

No permit is required for the installation of a back-flow valve or submersible pump. However, please ensure that the work is carried out according to the rules of the Quebec Plumbing Code.

If you are planning significant modifications to your basement (for example, adding a bathroom or making structural changes to the building), a permit may be required. In this case, we invite you to contact our urban planning department by clicking here.

Managing priorities to better meet the needs

Overview of the situation

On August 9, over 160 mm of rain fell on our territory in a very short period of time, causing considerable damage throughout the municipality. A situation unheard of in Kirkland and in many other municipalities!

Since the beginning of these events, we have been doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of our citizens and residential neighborhoods, and to prioritize our services to the public in light of these unprecedented events.

Cleaning as a priority

The city is currently in clean-up mode and will remain so until the entire area returns to normal.  The task is monumental, and all our teams are mobilized to carry out these operations.  Delays can therefore be expected in the provision of our special collection services (branches, bulky items, street sweeping, asphalt laying, etc.).

Information for the public

We are dealing with a large volume of flood-related queries on a daily basis, and ask for your understanding if the response time is longer than usual.  We are committed to providing you with all the information we have as soon as it becomes available.

Back to normality

The return to normal will undoubtedly take some time.  The situation calls for a great deal of effort, patience and perseverance on all sides. The return to a certain normality will also enable us to analyze the current situation and identify possible solutions to implement.

The importance of protecting your home

We get a lot of questions from people who want to know what they can do to better protect their homes.

In reality, each situation is unique and has different technical elements to consider.  This is why it is important to consult a professional in the field, who will be able to answer your questions and recommend solutions tailored to your needs.

A FEW REMINDERS TO CITIZENS WHO HAVE SUFFERED DAMAGE

Notice to your insurers

• If you haven’t already done so, we remind you to notify your insurance company of any damage to your property as soon as possible.
• Should your insurance company offer to provide a waste container, we ask that you accept their offer as this will greatly help speed up our clean-up operations.
• If you have to wait for the appraiser, we recommend that you store your damaged goods at the side of the house rather than at the curb.   
• If you have to wait for the appraiser’s visit to dispose of your damaged goods, place them on the side of the house rather than at the curb to avoid having them picked up by the city.

Collection of damaged goods

• Our operations to collect damaged goods are ongoing in all sectors of the city.  These operations will continue as long as required, and may extend until midnight when necessary.
• Damaged goods can also be dropped off at the Municipal Garage, at 25 Claude-Jodoin Street.  Two enclosures have been set up for this purpose and are accessible 24 hours a day.
• Given the large volume of debris to be picked up, all our teams are assigned to collecting and disposing of damaged goods in all areas of the city. 
• As a result, we had to temporarily suspend the provision of certain other municipal services, including branch collection, street cleaning and horticultural services.  Thank you for your understanding in this respect.

Additional information

The Floods page of our website is updated daily.  We invite you to consult it regularly for the latest information.

If you have any further questions, please contact us by clicking here.

Message to the population - August 12, 2024

Message to the population - August 13, 2024

Message to the population - August 16, 2024

Message to the population - August 21, 2024

Message to the population - August 22, 2024

Message to the population - August 31, 2024