(TLN) As areas of the City of Laval alongside riverfronts continue to recover following the devastating spring flooding several weeks ago, city officials say they are continuing to provide assistance to residents impacted by the floods.
In a statement issued by the city last week, officials said recovery operations are getting underway as the waters recede, and that inspection tours are being undertaken by teams composed of personnel from the fire department and CISSS de Laval.
Recovery underway
In all, the city expects that more than 1,600 residences affected by flooding will be visited. Last Monday evening, the City of Laval held an information meeting at the Château Royal in Chomedey for all residents impacted by flooding who wish to apply for compensation from the Quebec Ministry of Public Security.
As well, the city announced that as of May 14 a centre for the support of those affected by flooding would be opening to offer information and answer questions of all types. Located at 2785 Francis-Hughes Ave., the centre will also house a temporary office for help to flood victims operated by the Public Security Ministry.
Volunteers needed
In addition, the city is organizing a major cleanup operation taking place on May 25-26 for the collection of used sand bags and other debris left over from the flood. Volunteers are currently being sought for this operation. Visit inondations.laval.ca if you are interested.
In the affected areas, business is starting to get back to normal, with garbage, recycling and kitchen waste pickups gradually back to normal schedules. Special collections are also being organized for the pickup and disposal of demolition debris from damaged houses. According to the city, property owners will be expected to separate the debris from their properties into categories before it can be picked up.
An orderly cleanup
Here are some instructions to follow: – Sand bags should be left on the edge of the property or next to the street, with wooden pallets with bags to be thrown out. For sanitary reasons, sand bags contaminated by flood water must be disposed of carefully.
– Debris from the river and from demolition should be deposited around the same spot as old sand bags. Other items to be disposed of, such as old tires, paints or electronics, will be collected by the city on May 25. They should be left for pickup in the same place as the previously mentioned items.
In all, according to the City of Laval, 85 streets in Laval suffered flooding, while 355 buildings were flooded. As well, 117 families needed to be evacuated. Of these, 17 families were sheltered by the Red Cross. Around 1,000 civic address in Laval found themselves cut off by water or were impacted by the floods.
