Québec’s new Flood zone maps: What does this mean for you?
And why it’s essential to understand your vulnerability and protect yourself now.
Since 2024, Québec has been undertaking a major revision of its flood zone maps. These new maps — expected to be published starting in March 2026 — will be more accurate, more up to date, and based on the latest climate data. They will redraw risk areas across the province.
For thousands of homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, this means one thing: flood risk is no longer what it used to be. Here’s what you need to know about these new maps — and why this is the perfect moment to conduct a full vulnerability assessment.
1. Why new flood zone maps?
The former maps were sometimes decades old. Yet between 2017 and 2023, flooding events in Québec clearly demonstrated that:
- Floods are becoming more frequent
- They are more unpredictable, especially with extreme weather
- They now affect areas not previously considered at risk
The provincial revision aims to:
- reflect evolving climate conditions
- integrate new hydrological and topographic data
- support better urban planning
- protect citizens and reduce economic losses
2. What these new maps may change for you?
For a property owner or organization, these updates can have real, concrete impacts.
Reassessment of your property’s flood risk
Your home, business, or building may now fall within one of the officially identified flood zones:
Source: https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/eau/zones-inondables-mobilite-rives-littoral/cartographies/en-vigueur/interpretation
Impacts on insurance and mortgages
Some home or commercial insurers may:
- raise your premiums
- require flood protection measures
- refuse to insure you if the risk is considered too high
Banks and lending institutions may also refuse to finance a property located in a high-risk flood zone.
Renovation or construction projects
Your building permits may now be:
- restricted
- refused
- or subject to additional technical requirements (resilience measures, terrain elevation, temporary or permanent flood protections, etc.)
Municipal obligations
Cities will have to adjust:
- their emergency response plans
- their drainage infrastructure
- their prevention programs to help residents protect themselves
3. Why conduct a flood vulnerability assessment?
Maps are an essential tool — but they only offer a general overview.
A full vulnerability assessment provides a personalized, accurate picture of your real level of risk.
A proper assessment examines:
- your terrain’s geometry: slope, elevation
- potential water entry points (drains, backwater valves, foundation, basement, doors, garage, basement windows)
- nearby municipal infrastructure
- local flood history
- your building materials and structural resilience
- your evacuation capacity and your available protection options
Why is this crucial?
Because every property is unique. Two houses on the same street do not share the same level of vulnerability.
An assessment helps you:
✔ avoid costly damage
✔ improve your insurance situation
✔ increase your property value
✔ plan effective mitigation work
✔ know exactly what to do during a flood alert
4. Protection: a shared responsibility — and a necessary one
The new maps shouldn’t be viewed as a source of fear… but as a signal to take smart, proactive action.
Here’s why protection matters:
- Water damage is the most costly natural disaster in Canada. Thousands of dollars can be lost in just a few hours.
- Modern flood protections are simple, fast, and accessible. Inflatable solutions like FlowStop can protect a vulnerable opening — such as a garage door or basement window — in just a few minutes.
- Protecting yourself also protects your community. Less private damage means less pressure on emergency services, insurers, and municipalities.
- Temporary protections can make all the difference during a flood. Even in a “low-risk” zone, a single exceptional event can cause major destruction.
The new maps change the rules. But you can change the outcome. Flood risk is increasing — but you can prepare effectively. By understanding your vulnerability and equipping yourself with the right tools, you turn a climate risk into a manageable situation.
FlowStop Canada is here to help you every step of the way.
