Residents of a Montreal suburb are expressing their frustration and anger over new flood maps that have been released by the government.
The maps, which were recently updated by the Quebec Ministry of Public Security, show that many homes in the town of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue are now considered to be at a higher risk of flooding. This has caused concern and outrage among residents who feel that they were not properly informed or consulted about the changes.
According to the new maps, over 1,000 homes in the town are now classified as being in a flood zone, compared to only 200 homes in the previous maps. This means that these homes are at a higher risk of being affected by flooding and may face stricter building regulations and higher insurance premiums.
Residents are particularly upset because they were not given any warning or explanation for the changes. Many feel that they were blindsided by the new maps and are now left with uncertainty and fear for their homes and properties.
One resident, who has lived in the town for over 20 years, expressed her frustration, saying, “We were never told that our home was at risk of flooding. We’ve never had any issues in the past, and now all of a sudden, we’re being told that we’re in a flood zone. It’s just not fair.”
The mayor of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Paola Hawa, has also voiced her concerns about the new maps. She believes that the government should have consulted with the town before making such significant changes. “We were not involved in the process at all,” she stated. “We were not given the opportunity to provide any input or feedback.”
In response to the backlash, the Quebec Ministry of Public Security has stated that the new maps were created using updated data and technology, and are meant to better reflect the current flood risks in the area. They also assure residents that they will work with the town to address any concerns and provide support for those affected by the changes.
Despite this, residents are still calling for more transparency and communication from the government. They feel that they have been left in the dark and are now facing potential financial and emotional consequences because of the new flood maps.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the residents of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue are not satisfied with the government’s handling of the situation. They are demanding answers and action to address their concerns and protect their homes from the threat of flooding.
