Over 80% of Quebec residents are calling on the provincial government to publish the new flood‑zone maps that have been delayed, according to recent data.
The demand comes as the Ministry of Environment has postponed the release of updated flood‑zone maps. The maps are intended to show areas at risk of flooding.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community has emphasized that timely access to the maps is essential for public flood preparedness, especially as flood risk is rising. It notes that the information helps communities plan evacuations, protect property, and coordinate emergency response.
The provincial government has not yet provided a new timeline for publication. The delay has spurred public pressure across the province, with the majority of respondents indicating the need for the information to plan and protect communities.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment have not commented on the reasons for the postponement. The government’s response to the public call remains pending.
The call for the maps aligns with broader concerns about increasing flood hazards in the region. Access to accurate flood‑zone data would allow municipalities, businesses, and residents to take preventive measures.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community reiterated that the maps are a key tool for emergency planning and for informing land‑use decisions. Without them, authorities and the public lack a clear picture of where flood risk is highest.
As the pressure builds, the Quebec government faces growing expectations to make the updated flood‑zone maps available promptly, a step that supporters say will improve readiness for future flood events.
Stakeholders argue that without the updated flood‑zone maps, emergency services, urban planners, and homeowners lack the data needed to assess vulnerability, allocate resources, and implement mitigation strategies before the next flood season.