West Island on Alert as Montreal Raises Flood Risk to Highest Level

Montreal has moved to its highest flood alert level as rising water and days of rain in the forecast put several West Island communities on edge.

The escalation means the city is now in full emergency mode, with crews monitoring water levels around the clock and ready to respond if conditions worsen.

In the West Island, attention is focused on flood-prone areas along the Rivière des Prairies and Lake of Two Mountains. Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève are among the neighbourhoods considered most at risk as water levels continue to climb.

In Pierrefonds-Roxboro, protective measures are already in place. Temporary walls and barriers have been installed along vulnerable shorelines, while pumps and other equipment are being used to manage rising water and reduce the risk of overflow.

The city began preparing for potential flooding more than a month ago, reinforcing vulnerable zones and staging equipment in key areas. So far, no major flooding has been reported, but officials are watching the situation closely.

The concern now is what comes next. Additional rainfall is expected in regions upstream of Montreal, which could send even more water into local rivers over the coming days. With the ground already saturated, that increases the risk of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of the West Island.

Residents are being urged to stay informed and be ready. Homeowners in at-risk areas should ensure sump pumps are working, clear drainage paths and secure outdoor items that could be affected by rising water.

For now, conditions remain stable — but with more rain on the way, the West Island remains firmly in the spotlight as the city braces for what could become a more serious flooding situation.