After several months of consultations and hard work, the Government of Québec has officially adopted the modernized regulatory framework for aquatic environments. This significant step forward notably addresses flood zone management and the regulation of flood protection structures.
Our municipality actively participated in this process to advocate for the needs of our community. Thanks to this collaborative effort, several adjustments were made to the final regulations to better reflect the local realities.
The regulations will be published on June 25, 2025, and will come into effect on March 1, 2026, giving municipalities and citizens time to become familiar with the changes.
By March 2026, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) will conduct a detailed analysis of the regulation adopted by the Government of Québec and will share its orientations with us. It is also important to highlight that this regulation includes the adoption of the Methodological Guide governing the development of the flood zone mapping, some provisions of which have been modified from the initial version. The official maps will come into effect in March 2026 and will then be used for the application of the regulation. Until then, the transitional framework remains in effect, and our municipality will be able to implement the new provisions once the CMM’s orientations have been received.
Here are the adjustments introduced following the consultation:
- Possibility of new residential developments in low-intensity flood zones;
- More opportunities for residential building expansions in moderate and low intensity flood zones;
- Voluntary reconstruction allowed in high, moderate, and low intensity flood zones;
- Possibility to adapt a residential building in the shoreline area (e.g., adding an access ramp) under the same conditions as very high intensity zones;
- Reconstruction permitted after a disaster other than flooding in the shoreline area (e.g., fire);
- Broader scope for the flood risk management plan, allowing more flexibility for regional county municipalities (MRCs), including developing a plan for all flood zones, areas downstream of a dam affecting water flow, and areas behind a Framework for flood protection works (FPWs);
- Removal of the precautionary zone concept behind all FPWs;
- Simplification of certain concepts related to mapping.
An information kit (French only) is available, along with an up-to-date interactive map. (French only)
To learn more, visit: Québec.ca/zonesinondables (French only) or subscribe to their newsletter. (French only)