Saint-Leonard residents reject sandbags as temporary flood fix, demand permanent solutions
After flooding in 2024 and 2025, homeowners say sandbags block driveways and won't prevent the next heavy rain.
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Saint-Leonard residents are pushing back against the borough's use of sandbags to protect homes from flooding, saying the temporary measure is inadequate and blocks property access.
Over the July 13 weekend, the borough sandbagged homes on Belmont Street after basement suites flooded in August 2024 and again in July 2025. While additional sandbags can be delivered, residents must install them themselves—a challenge for older residents and those with mobility issues.
"This is a temporary solution, but I don't think it's a good solution because the owners can no longer use their driveways," said Mario Napolitano. Another resident, Mila Marunych, noted: "I am an old person. I am not able to carry 30 kilogram bags of sand to place here."
Residents have demanded catch basins in nearby parks or streets instead. Saint-Leonard Mayor Dominic Perri said the long-term solution is expanding the Langelier water collector, but construction plans aren't finalized. "I cannot give you a date but I can tell you that it will not be next year or the year after," Perri said.
The borough has planted more than 1,000 trees and built a sponge park over five years to prevent flooding. It also offers subsidies through RénoPlex to help residents waterproof garages and driveways. Nonetheless, the lack of permanent infrastructure leaves basement-suite owners unable to sell or rent their properties with confidence.
At a glance
Where did sandbags go up after the recent flooding?
Homes on Belmont Street in Saint-Leonard were sandbagged over the July 13 weekend following basement flooding.
What's the borough's long-term plan to stop the flooding?
Saint-Leonard Mayor Dominic Perri said the solution is expanding the Langelier water collector, but construction plans are not finalized and it will not happen in the next two years.
What other flood-prevention work has Saint-Leonard done?
Over five years, the borough planted more than 1,000 trees and built a sponge park to prevent flooding, and offers subsidies through RénoPlex to help residents waterproof garages and driveways.
