DOLLARD-DES-ORMEAUX — Days after a historic downpour triggered widespread flooding across Montreal’s West Island, residents in Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) are facing a mounting crisis on their doorsteps: tons of rotting flood debris lining the suburban streets.
Ripped-out drywall, moldy furniture, and hundreds of waterlogged garbage bags have been piling up on sidewalks just steps from residential homes. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated by the mounting mess and the foul odors now taking over their neighborhoods.
“The place is not smelling very good right now,” said local resident Jeffrey Gallant, noting that the decaying waste poses a serious risk of attracting rodents and wild animals to the area.
The crisis began last Saturday when a violent storm system dumped approximately 150 millimeters of rain over a remarkably short period, completely overwhelming local drainage systems and flooding homes. While the initial water has receded and homeowners are deep into internal cleanup, managing the outdoor aftermath has become a major logistical bottleneck.
DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci described the sheer scale of the waste management task as “quite overwhelming,” warning residents that it could take a “good few weeks” before all the sidewalks are completely cleared.
To expedite the process, DDO has secured private contractors and is receiving emergency support from neighboring West Island municipalities. Cleanup crews from Beaconsfield, Kirkland, and Dorval are deploying personnel to help clear hard-hit sectors like Lake Street.
In response to growing community concerns over civic infrastructure, Mayor Bottausci announced that the city will host a public information session on August 6 to discuss long-term infrastructure upgrades to prevent future flood disasters.
