By Canadian Press

Lawsuit filed against makers of Montreal-area dike that burst, flooding town

Sep 3, 2020 | 8:53 AM

MONTREAL — A Montreal-area town says its insurance company is suing the maker of a dike that burst last spring, flooding streets and forcing thousands of residents from their homes.

Officials from Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac said Tuesday legal action has been filed against the firm Gendron Lefebvre, which was responsible for work carried out in 1979.

The dike burst on April 27, 2019, forcing some 6,500 people from their homes without notice.

The flooding affected about 50 streets and caused significant property damage in the community located on the shore of Lake of Two Mountains.

In a statement, the city says court documents allege those responsible for the dike made serious mistakes in its conception and construction, which amounted to a hidden defect.

town council

Strong opposition for downtown homeless shelter ahead of Tuesday public hearing

Apr 22, 2024

long-term care

La Ronge housing shortage discussed at SUMA convention

Apr 18, 2024

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

The lawsuit claims a probe carried out on the dike after the flooding revealed the presence of organic matter that could have led to water infiltration and that could not have been detected by regular inspections prior to the event.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2020.

The Canadian Press