Flood victims are still looking for answers months after intense flooding across the province.
Government officials held public consultations across the province Monday night to get feedback on its new plan -- but what people wanted was help.
Over 5,000 homes across the province were affected by the flooding, including 800 which were destroyed. In some cases, homes will have to be built elsewhere.
Public consultations held in Pierrefonds carried on for hours, and hundreds of flood victims gathered for what they thought would be much anticipated answers.
“During the weeks that followed there was nobody from any level of government to be found,” said Rene Leblanc, who still can't live in his home, even though he said it was evaluated by government officials eight weeks ago.
"I was told it would take two weeks-- well, it's been six weeks and I still haven't heard anything, so we're anxious to know where we go from here. We've already lost half of our summer," said Leblanc.
Instead of concrete resolutions, residents were told about the government's "Special Planning Zone," which will help manage future flood risk.
Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux has told 65 municipalities they will be required to get up-to-date flood-zone mapping to comply with current government regulations.
The goal, the government said, is to reduce the number of people and properties exposed to future flooding “while allowing, under certain exceptional circumstances and under certain conditions,” the reconstruction of buildings destroyed or severely damaged during floods.
A representative for Quebec's Ministry of Public Security said 90 per cent of the homes in Montreal and across the province have been evaluated-- but the next step is analysis, which will require patience from all parties involved.
Flood victim Itsik Romano said he’s had enough.
“People came here for answers regarding their relief fund. This is the most important thing people have right now. It's to know when they can start construction and get back to their homes and that’s not what the government is answering
Many residents say they are feel abandoned by the government, having only received a small fraction of the compensation they have been promised and say they are very upset by how long it is taking.
“It’s taking way too long. The money’s already been allocated to the Quebec government, just not issued to the people that need it right away. Only 6 per cent of that money’s been given out. So we’re waiting, we’re waiting and the whole street is waiting. Now they’re telling us something around maybe September? Most people can’t wait that long. A lot of people aren’t even in their homes yet. We can’t live here. So, where’s the money? Where’s the help? Where’s the guidance? Where’s the referrals? Where’s the expertise telling us what to do, how to do it, when to do it?" said flood victim Yann Belisle.
