Quebec Faces Significant Increase in Flood Zone Homes Due to New Maps

Summary:
The Quebec government anticipates a significant increase in the number of homes located in flood zones, with new flood maps expected to triple the current count from 22,000 to 77,000. This shift, affecting about 2% of the province’s population, is part of a proposal to update flood management rules due to the impacts of climate change and past major floods in 2017 and 2019, which caused over $1 billion in damages. The new maps will use a risk-based system (low, moderate, high, very high) instead of a probability-based one.
Residents in high-risk zones will face new construction and renovation restrictions but will not be forced to relocate. The rules will limit new building in very high-risk areas and restrict rebuilding destroyed homes, although renovations to enhance flood resistance will be permitted.
Local mayors and municipal groups have expressed concerns about the timing of public consultations, which are happening before the maps’ release. They worry about the uncertainty and potential negative impacts on property values, mortgages, and insurance.
Environment Minister Benoît Charette indicated that while not all maps are completed, 80% of urban communities are expected to have their maps ready by spring 2025. Public consultations will span 90 days.