Montreal, August 18, 2025 - As Montreal faces unprecedented climate change - with several heat waves, torrential rains, and increasingly frequent flooding, as well as air quality that ranked among the worst in the world this summer - Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin, announced three significant measures to ensure Montreal's resilience and support the population in the face of these severe weather events.
These measures are part of a long-term vision for a more resilient, greener, and more equitable Montreal. They demonstrate Projet Montréal's commitment to addressing current and future climate challenges in a reality where heat waves are no longer anomalies but recurring events.
Doubling sponge infrastructures
Projet Montréal is committed to doubling annual investments in resilient infrastructures from $15 million to $30 million per year. This will double the number of sponge infrastructures, which retain rainwater, by expanding their implementation beyond parks. Currently, 31 parks and other sponge infrastructures have been completed or are under development across the city. Currently, 31 parks and other sponge infrastructure projects have been completed or are under development across the city.
RénoRésilience: a new program to adapt residences
Luc Rabouin is also committed to the creation of RénoRésilience, a brand new $5 million program to assist owners of residential buildings in at-risk areas in renovating their buildings to protect them from flooding. Inspired by the RénoPlex program, RénoRésilience will ensure that the criteria for accessing financial support are broadened by:
- Targeting vulnerable buildings based on their location (e.g., low-lying areas) or flood history;
- Providing personalized support to identify the most effective and cost-efficient renovations (based on the JeRénovÉco model).
Breaking up concrete to plant more trees and provide green space within a 15-minute walk
To cool the city, Projet Montréal is committed to invest in the demineralization of public and private land—that is, replacing asphalt and concrete with permeable surfaces where possible—in collaboration with boroughs and institutional partners. 70% of Montrealers already have access to a natural space within a 15-minute walk, but with demineralization, the creation of new sponge infrastructure and the continued planting of trees, the goal is to ensure that all Montrealers have access to a green space within a 15-minute walk.
In total, this resilience plan represents a total financial commitment of $75 million per year, which ultimately comes back to the population's pocketbook. This includes existing funds that will be reallocated and budget increases ($20 million).
"Montreal is facing more and more extreme weather events, and the population is suffering the devastating impacts of these events. Projet Montréal is an experienced team that understands complex issues such as water management and ecological transition. We are coming forward with proposals that are backed by science. What I am presenting to you today, with the Resilience Plan, is not just an election promise: it is a necessity. The goal is clear: to cool the city, reduce flooding, and protect Montrealers," said Luc Rabouin, leader of Projet Montréal.
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Source:
Simon Charron
Chief's press officer
