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
In August 2025, Council approved the construction of an underground stormwater retention basin at Terry Fox Park. Construction began in November 2025, making it the first project in the City’s stormwater retention program.
As planned, construction also began this week on a second underground stormwater retention basin at the intersection of Tecumseh Avenue and Frontenac Boulevard. Work is expected to continue until August 21, 2026.
Together, these projects represent significant investments in strengthening the City’s stormwater infrastructure and increasing its capacity to manage heavy rainfall events.
Residents wishing to learn more about the Terry Fox Park project may consult the City’s previous announcement:
A New Underground Stormwater Retention Basin at Terry Fox Park – Ville de Dollard-des-Ormeaux
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, specialized camera equipment is used to inspect more than 4,000 sections of the City’s stormwater and sanitary sewer network. These inspections provide a detailed assessment of infrastructure conditions, allowing the City to identify priority repairs, plan rehabilitation projects and establish long-term investment priorities.
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.
