A Message from the Municipal Council

Flooding 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.

Your Municipal Council,