Constructing a Comfortable System Equipped with a Reservoir

Constructing a Comfortable System Equipped with a Reservoir

The Beat of Deux-Montagnes: A Stormwater Retention Basin Turns into a Green jewel

By Émilie Côte, our website Photos: Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, our website

First impressions can be deceiving; a pretty pond in a park isn't just a scenic view. It's a state-of-the-art stormwater retention basin, the pride of Deux-Montagnes. Benoit Ferland, the city's general director, beams as he shares, "We're no longer in a flood-prone zone, but a protected one."

The city's residents recall the devastating floods of 2017, a tragic event that left them paddling canoes in their streets. "That's something Mayor Denis Martin vowed would never happen again," Ferland recalls.

Eight years later, Deux-Montagnes stands as a beacon for resilience against the challenges of climate change. The Central Park retention basin, big enough to hold six Olympic swimming pools, is part of the city's comprehensive protection system. Combined with a dyke built in 2019 and a stormwater pumping station, it forms "an innovative pilot project" that could inspire other municipalities, says Ferland.

The coming days bring visits from about twenty general directors of other cities, eager to learn from Deux-Montagnes' success. Linda Lapointe, the new federal MP for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, and Benoit Charette, MP for Deux-Montagnes and Minister of the Environment, will also attend the official inauguration.

Aesthetics Meet Functionality

Typically, retention basins are functional yet unimpressive concrete rectangles. But not this one. Landscape architect Isabelle Dyotte of Dyotte Deom Paysage sees more than just an engineering solution: "We've added aesthetics, recreation, and community value to our needs."

A path winds around the basin, leading to an island with a bridge illuminated at sunset. Picnic tables, lounge chairs, and umbrellas create a serene atmosphere. Geese have already claimed their territory, and soon, plants will grow to complete the picturesque setting.

"It's a win-win," emphasizes Ferland. The benefits are environmental, economic, and security-wise. "We've ticked all the boxes for a successful project," he says.

Preventing Overflows

When rain pours down, the basin and the station will work together to release only rainwater into the lake. Previously, the city would funnel all stormwater with wastewater, leading to potential overflows into Lake des Deux Montagnes during heavy rainfall. "This new system will reduce overflows by 75%, completely eliminating them after further upcoming works," Ferland states.

By diverting stormwater into Lake Pluto instead of the sewer network, the city also minimizes wastewater treatment costs. For Deux-Montagnes residents, this new approach brings peace of mind. As Ferland puts it, "I no longer stress when it rains."

REM and Urban Development

Although the basin is operational, landscaping work, including the installation of aerators and two fountains, is still underway. Deux-Montagnes covered 20% of the project's $20 million cost, while the rest came from federal and Quebec governments through the Resilience and Adaptation to Floods Program (PRAFI).

Isabelle Dyotte commends the city's employees for this remarkable project that bridges engineering needs with urban beauty. "Wastewater management becomes a green treasure," she says.

With the arrival of two Réseau express métropolitain (REM) stations, the area will undergo densification, enhancing the area's value and attracting more residents. "From 2000 to 3000 people will be added to the area," Ferland explains.

He goes on to reveal plans for BIXI stations, Communauto parking, and Cyclists beware: the Route Verte is nearby. Deux-Montagnes, once synonymous with floods, is now setting an example for climate change resilience and urban renewal.

1. Weather patterns are no longer a significant concern for Deux-Montagnes residents, as the city has transformed a stormwater retention basin into a scenic jewel, reducing flood risks by 75%.
2. Benoit Ferland, the city's general director, says that this pilot project could inspire other municipalities to adopt similar innovative approaches to address climate change.
3. The Central Park retention basin, designed by landscape architect Isabelle Dyotte, not only offers stormwater retention but also provides aesthetics, recreational opportunities, and community value.
4. The stormwater retention basin and station will minimize wastewater treatment costs by diverting stormwater into Lake Pluto instead of the sewer network.
5. The city's infrastructure improvements, funded in part by the Resilience and Adaptation to Floods Program (PRAFI), are expected to attract more residents due to the upcoming REM stations and urban development.
6. Environmental scientists and finance experts alike are taking notice of Deux-Montagnes' approach to climate change resilience and renewable energy solutions within the industry.
7. Deux-Montagnes' success in combining stormwater management with urban beauty sets a strong example for other cities grappling with climate change and environmental concerns.

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