Deux-Montagnes, March 8, 2022 – The Quebec government’s transitional plan for the management of riverbanks, shorelines, and floodplains came into effect on March 1. This transitional framework (entitled Règlement concernant la mise en œuvre provisoire des modifications apportées par le chapitre 7 des lois de 2021 en matière de gestion des risques liés aux inondations / regulations for the interim implementation of the flood-risk management amendments of chapter 7 of the Acts in 2021) replaces the Politique de protection des rives, du littoral et des plaines inondables (policy for the protection of riverbanks, shorelines, and floodplains) and the special intervention zones (ZIS) established following the historic floods of 2019.
The transitional plan provides a framework for work permitted on riverbanks, shorelines, and floodplains. It supersedes any municipal by-laws that had set standards for this type of work. The transitional regulation will remain in effect until a permanent floodplain management plan is adopted and new floodplain mapping is approved.
Understanding the transitional plan
In order to facilitate a better understanding of the transitional plan and its application, the public is invited to consult the various tools presented by the government online: https://bit.ly/3sR82A8
Highlights:
- Special intervention zones (ZIS) are lifted.
- The transitional plan marks the beginning of the shift to a risk-based approach. Interventions on riverbanks, shorelines, and floodplains will be regulated according to their impact on the environment and the safety of residents and property.
- The regulation establishes a uniform municipal approval process for activities in flood-risk areas and other wetlands. It also provides a framework for agricultural activities currently practiced along the shores of lakes and rivers to limit their impact.
- Residents in the areas flooded in 2017 or 2019 will still be allowed to make renovations or additions to their property. However, in general, new construction in high-water areas will not be permitted until the permanent framework is in place.
