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Done with the basement renovations?

Multitudesof property proprietors in Montreal remain oblivious to the fact that their structures are situated in 'basin' regions, making them susceptible to flooding during excessive rainshowers. Contrary to expectations of support to safeguard their properties, property owners who opt to take...

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Multitudes of property owners in Monte Carlo oblivious to the fact that their structures are...
Multitudes of property owners in Monte Carlo oblivious to the fact that their structures are situated in 'bowl' zones, making them susceptible to flooding during intense rainfall. Rather than being motivated to adequately secure their buildings, those who endeavor to take action post-disaster can encounter obstacles due to local government regulations. An investigation carried out by Isabelle Ducas.

Done with the basement renovations?

Think again: Could the rise in heavy storms and subsequent floods spell the end for Montreal's basement dwellings?

Let's face it, the scene is shifting when it comes to basement living spaces in Montreal—especially in light of the increased torrential downpours we've been experiencing. Some boroughs have already cracked down on building apartments or bedquarters in basements, and more are gearing up to impose regulations.

So, should we rebuild flats in a flooded basement, or better yet, where do its less fortunate tenants go, considering the ongoing housing crisis? That's the big question, acknowledges Maja Vodanovic, the brain behind water infrastructure at the city's executive committee.

But the consequences of increased storms and flooding are still fresh. We're still figuring out just how defensible buildings can be against flooding.

According to Jean-Luc Martel, a wise professor at École de technologie supérieure (ETS), low-lying areas shouldn't ever host living spaces in basements—period. And Mathieu Gillet, an expert in sustainable urban development and responsible for business development at Écohabitation chimes in, agreeing that the water issue should be a top priority for the city in all its decisions.

They've already outlawed garage entrances with a slope for new buildings in several Montreal sectors. Now, developments over 1,000 square meters with impermeable surfaces need plans on hand that prove plans for rainwater collection systems, signed off by an engineer. Buildings must also be capable of holding 11 mm of rainwater during a deluge, whether it's big or small.

Different rules apply by borough, so before starting a basement project, it's crucial to call your district and understand the rules, which can be complex and hard to grasp. Here's a quick rundown of restrictions in some areas:

  • Ville-Marie: All over the borough, building beehives, separate apartments, or bedrooms linked to ground-floor apartments in basements is a no-no—except for exceptional circumstances, with measures taken to stop water infiltrations. However, the borough is relaxing constraints on additional floors to make up for the lost space in the basement.
  • Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve: In low-lying areas, independent apartments or bedrooms in the basement are forbidden, although offices, game rooms, and living rooms are acceptable. Permits can be granted for living spaces if a civil engineering report demonstrates measures that block infiltrations and conquer rainwater.
  • Verdun: Building new independent dwellings in basements is off-limits across the board, but bedrooms linked to ground-floor dwellings are acceptable.
  • Southwest: Independent dwellings in basements are totally verboten; bedrooms linked to a ground-floor dwelling are permitted but must meet new guidelines, such as higher window sill heights.
  • Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: No new dwellings in basements are allowed; however, for a single-family home, duplex, or triplex, bedrooms can be in the basement. A dwelling may be permitted in a building with four or more units if infiltration precautions are taken, particularly for doors and windows, especially in low-lying areas.
  • Saint-Laurent: Councillors are about to vote on a change that will let basement dwellings as plexes (with four or fewer units), provided they install waterproof doors and other protective measures.
  • Plateau-Mont-Royal: The borough is studying the potential of banning the creation of habitable spaces beneath sidewalk-level—but nothing's been announced just yet.

With these regulations in mind, basement-dwelling dreams might need to take a raincheck—but never fear! Montreal's real estate market is brimming with possibilities for cozy, dry apartments where you can weather the storm in style. No need to bat an eye at those ravenous rainclouds anymore!

  1. The rise in heavy storms and subsequent floods in Montreal is prompting a reconsideration of basement dwellings due to their vulnerability.
  2. Maja Vodanovic, an expert on water infrastructure, acknowledges the big question regarding where less fortunate tenants will reside, given the ongoing housing crisis.
  3. Professor Jean-Luc Martel suggests that low-lying areas shouldn't house living spaces in basements due to increased storms and flooding.
  4. Mathieu Gillet, an expert in sustainable urban development, emphasizes the importance of addressing the water issue in every decision made by the city.
  5. Several Montreal sectors have enforced regulations prohibiting garage entrances with a slope for new buildings, and plans for rainwater collection systems are now required for developments over 1,000 square meters.
  6. With varying rules by borough, it is essential for prospective basement project starters to understand the regulations, which can be complex and hard to grasp, before proceeding.

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