Living with Water: A Guide to Protecting Your Home from Flooding

Heavy rainfall is becoming increasingly frequent and can overload sewer systems, cause sewer backups and lead to water infiltration in buildings. However, every property can help reduce these risks. To help you take the right steps, the City of Pointe-Claire invites you to consult the “Living with Water” toolkit, developed by Architecture Without Borders Quebec (ASFQ) and distributed by the Government of Quebec.

This guide helps you better understand the risks specific to your home and determine the steps you can take to reduce water damage. It is an essential tool for building adaptation projects. 

It is intended for homeowners and renters as well as contractors, architects, and other construction professionals. You don’t need to be an expert: the guide is designed to provide step-by-step support for anyone who wants to understand and take action.

What is the purpose of the guide?

The reference guide will help you develop a strategy tailored to your property. In particular, you can use it to:

• understand the different sources of flooding;
• identify the pathways that water can take around, under, and inside the building;
• identify the most vulnerable openings, materials, equipment, and spaces;
• explore various prevention and adaptation measures;
• prepare for discussions with a contractor, an architect, an engineer, or another qualified professional.

See the “Living with Water” guide

The guide does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution for every residence. The appropriate measures depend, among other things, on the terrain configuration, the type of building, the source of the water, existing drainage systems, and applicable regulations.

How to use the guide?

The guide is based on a simple idea: there is no single solution to flooding. We can reduce risks by combining several complementary measures. The content is organized into three main sections, which follow the natural progression of an adaptation project:

1. Document the situation

Before looking for a solution, gather as much information as possible about your property and the events that have already occurred.

In particular, take note of:

• places where water accumulates on the property;
• the direction in which water flows;
• the points where it appears to enter the building;
• the rooms, materials and equipment affected;
• the height reached by the water and how long it remained;
• the conditions observed during the event, such as the intensity of the rain or a power outage.

When it is safe to do so, take photos of the property, the points where water entered, and any damage you observe. This information may help with the assessment of your property.

2. Understand flood risk

The first booklet in the guide, Flood Risk, helps readers understand the nature of the problem and the building’s level of vulnerability.

Possible water sources include:

• runoff caused by heavy rains;
• water accumulation near the foundation;
• water seeping in through the floor, walls, or openings;
• a rise in the groundwater level;
• a sewer backup;
• an overflowing stream or body of water.

A single property may be exposed to multiple water sources, so it is important not to jump to conclusions about the cause before conducting a proper assessment.

3. Find the water pathways

The second booklet, Water Pathways, traces the path of water around, under, and inside the building.

In particular, take note of the following:

• the slope of the property;
• low-lying areas where water accumulates;
• downspouts and gutters;
• impervious surfaces, such as paved driveways;
• driveways that slope downward toward the garage;
• windows located near or below ground level;
• cracks and openings in the foundation;
• drains, sumps, pumps, and drainage pipes.

This step helps determine where to take action in order to safely retain, absorb, slow down, divert, or drain water.

4. Explore adaptation measures

The third booklet, Build [Back] Better, outlines ways to minimize exposure of a building’s sensitive elements and reduce damage if water does manage to enter the home.

Depending on the situation, possible measures may include:

• better managing water on the property; 
• reducing the risk of water infiltration or sewer backups;
• minimizing interior damage.

A measure implemented in the wrong location can redirect water to another part of the property, a neighbouring property or public land. The various measures should therefore be considered as components of a comprehensive strategy. 

Financial assistance offered by the City

Do you own an eligible home in Pointe-Claire and want to improve stormwater management on your property?

The City offers financial assistance covering 50% of the cost of eligible work, up to a maximum of $5,000 per property, subject to compliance with the program’s terms and conditions and the availability of funds.

View the Financial Assistance Program for Stormwater Management