Feds invests $25M to stabilize the banks along iconic thoroughfare in Laval

Following several instances of ground subsiding in recent years, the City of Laval announced it is launching a major project to stabilize the banks along Boulevard des Mille-Îles and make this iconic thoroughfare safer.

Funded by a federal investment of over $25.3 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, this project – whose total cost across all phases is estimated at over $80 million – will sustainably strengthen the resilience of this critical infrastructure against erosion and extreme weather events.

More specifically, the announced project spans 9.5 kilometers, between Highway 25 and the eastern tip of Laval Island. It aims to stabilize the Boulevard des Mille-Îles’ shoreline while preserving the area’s ecological quality. In practical terms, the work will ensure the stability of more than seven kilometres of riverbanks along the riverfront of Boulevard des Mille-Îles.

Located at the eastern tip of Laval, the Boulevard des Mille-Îles runs along an ecological corridor known for the richness of its wildlife and plant habitats. It is also one of Île Jésus’ original routes. Highly popular with cyclists, this waterfront path is among Laval’s most beloved routes. The project includes the development of safe and user-friendly amenities for walking and cycling, promoting active mobility in the area.

“The Boulevard des Mille-Îles is one of the founding thoroughfares of the Laval region. Protecting it is inextricably linked to preserving the heritage, landscapes, and exceptional biodiversity of the island’s eastern tip. In recent years, several instances of subsidence have forced the City to take emergency action, resulting in repairs totaling nearly 3 million dollars. With this major project, we are shifting from reactive measures to a sustainable approach to ensure the maintenance of this essential infrastructure and the protection of the riverbanks,” said Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval.

The project, one of the largest undertaken by the City of Laval to ensure the sustainability of its waterfront infrastructure, will be carried out in phases to minimize impacts on traffic and residents’ daily lives. The design work and environmental studies required to obtain ministerial approvals and First Nations community consent are already underway, and the first construction activities are expected to begin in 2027 and continue for approximately six years.

“It is essential to invest in infrastructure that helps protect Canadians from natural risks and the effects of climate change. By supporting the City of Laval with this significant federal funding of over $25 million, the Government of Canada is making a tangible contribution to securing this vital transportation corridor and protecting it from extreme weather events, while preserving a natural corridor and an exceptional heritage site for future generations,” said Angelo Iacono, MP for Alfred-Pellan.

Featured image: (Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

water canada

Get weekly updates in your inbox on the projects, policies, and people you need to know about.