The City of Montreal is investing more than $68.6 million in a major flood prevention project as extreme rainfall events become more frequent.
The Martinez Ferrada administration announced Tuesday that it has approved the construction of the Saint-Jacques retention facility in the Southwest borough. The underground structure will be capable of storing up to 15 million litres of stormwater and wastewater, helping reduce flood risks for residents and limiting overflows into the St. Lawrence River during heavy rains.
Construction is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by winter 2028.
The city is also expanding other flood mitigation efforts, including the recently completed Coubertin Sponge Park in St-Leonard, which is designed to absorb rainwater before it reaches the sewer system.
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In addition, Montreal has increased funding for its RénoPlex program by $2 million, bringing the total budget to $10.3 million for 2026. The program helps homeowners install protective measures against flooding, including flood barriers.
City officials say the investments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure and help communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
