City continues investing in long-term stormwater management projects
The extreme rainfall event of June 20 has once again highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure that helps communities adapt to increasingly frequent and intense weather events.
Following the major rainfall event of August 2024, the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux immediately began implementing a series of actions to strengthen stormwater management and improve the resilience of its infrastructure.
The projects outlined below reflect actions already completed, initiatives currently underway and the next steps in the City’s long-term strategy.
Stormwater Retention Projects
Terry Fox Park Underground Stormwater Retention Basin
In August 2025, City Council authorized the construction of an underground stormwater retention basin at Terry-Fox Park. Construction was completed in November of the same year, and the basin was fully operational by the fall of 2025.
Residents who would like to learn more about the project can read the related news article:
A New Underground Stormwater Retention Basin at Terry-Fox Park
Tecumseh–Frontenac Underground Stormwater Retention Basin
The construction of a second underground stormwater retention basin in the Tecumseh–Frontenac area was included in the Three-Year Capital Works Program adopted by City Council in December 2025. Construction began in June 2026, and the basin is expected to be completed and fully operational by August 2026.
The underground stormwater retention basins at Terry Fox Park and in the Tecumseh–Frontenac area are part of the measures implemented by the City to increase stormwater retention capacity across its territory.
Looking Beyond Traditional Infrastructure: The OASIS Program
In October 2024, Council approved an application for provincial funding under the OASIS Program to conduct risk analyses, identify priority areas and develop green infrastructure solutions.
In May 2025, the City secured approximately $1 million in provincial funding under OASIS – Phase 1 for a project valued at approximately $1.3 million.
To accelerate the project, the City assembled a dedicated multidisciplinary internal team in July 2025, including specialized hydraulic engineering expertise working exclusively on the initiative.
Following the completion of hydraulic studies, technical analyses and preliminary designs, Council approved the next phase of the project on December 9, 2025, including the proposed construction of five green infrastructure projects.
Examples of these projects include sponge parks, bioswales, rain gardens, expanded tree planting and other green infrastructure designed to temporarily capture, absorb and slow the movement of stormwater before it enters the drainage system. These nature-based solutions complement traditional underground infrastructure and strengthen the City’s overall resilience.
The City submitted its Phase 2 funding application approximately six months after receiving Phase 1 funding.
While awaiting the Government of Québec’s decision, the City has continued advancing the project by completing the engineering plans and specifications, allowing construction to proceed quickly once funding is confirmed.
Residents wishing to learn more about the OASIS Program may consult the City’s previous announcement:
A Blue-Green Strategy for a Greener Future in Dollard-des-Ormeaux – Ville de Dollard-des-Ormeaux
A Well-Established Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Investing in new infrastructure is only one part of the City’s long-term approach. Maintaining the existing stormwater and sanitary sewer network is equally important.
For the past 20 years, the City has followed a rigorous Infrastructure Intervention Plan to inspect, maintain and renew its underground infrastructure.
Each year, more than 7,000 metres of the sewer network are inspected using specialized cameras. These inspections help assess the condition of the pipes, identify priority areas for intervention, plan rehabilitation work, and guide future infrastructure investments.
The City’s underground infrastructure is also cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to help ensure both the stormwater and sanitary sewer systems continue operating as efficiently as possible.
A Long-Term Commitment
Strengthening municipal infrastructure is an ongoing process that requires long-term planning, engineering studies, continued maintenance and sustained investment.
The City remains committed to advancing projects that improve stormwater management.
Additional information regarding future projects and upcoming phases of the City’s stormwater management strategy will be shared.
