Press Release

Deux-Montagnes, June 22, 2010. – Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Line Beauchamp, accompanied by Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Laval region, the Laurentides region and the Lanaudière region Michelle Courchesne, announced that work will soon begin on the Rivière des Mille Îles. The work will enable the river’s flow rate to be re-established and ensure an adequate drinking water supply for residents of Montréal’s northern tier.

The work will involve shallow water dredging at the mouth of the river in order to increase flow out of Deux Montagnes lake, and will take place between July and September 2010. Excavation will cover an area of 15,000 square metres and extend to between 60 and 75 centimetres in depth.

“The low levels of this winter’s snow accumulation and light spring rain have caused the current very low water level in the Rivière des Mille Îles. If predictions of a hot and dry summer prove correct, experts estimate that water flow will drop to levels unseen in over 80 years. The government has moved forward with an efficient and sustainable solution to the problem. Speedy action is called for if we are to avoid compromising the welfare of the population,” stated Minister Beauchamp.

Cabinet has adopted a decree authorizing the Ministère to begin operations without prior public hearings. Throughout the work, environmental protection measures will be taken to minimize any impact on wildlife and floristic habitats. Proceeding by seeking bids on an invitation to tender basis will also hasten the start of operations.

This work will enable residents to enjoy a quality water supply during dry spells like the one that has been predicted for this summer. Minister Courchesne added, “The Rivière des Mille Îles provides more than 400,000 people with drinking water. At this time, I would like to ask residents of Montréal’s northern tier to join the collective effort by respecting water use directives as declared by their municipal authorities.”

Communication tools such as a Web site and toll-free telephone line will be provided to answer any questions that the region’s population may have. Additionally, because of their proximity to the work site, residents of Deux-Montagnes, Saint-Eustache and Laval will also receive an explanatory brochure. “Everything has been put in place to ensure that work proceeds quickly and with the least possible inconvenience,” Minister Beauchamp concluded.

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