City streamlines building permits for flood damage

 

Gatineau has announced it has streamlined its process of applying for building permits for flood victims so they can quickly begin rebuilding. In order to avoid delays and lineups, it is best to call 311. It is advised not to go to a service centre.

The city has assigned a team within its Service de l’urbanisme to process these applications. Building permits and certificates of authorization are free for the flood victims until September 1, 2018. This does not apply to other permits, nor does it cover any grants or financial help.

For information on financial assistance with rebuilding, citizens should call Québec directly, the Ministère de la Sécurité publique at 418-643-2433 (toll free: 1-888-643-2433).

Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin noted that the city “is doing everything possible to facilitate and accelerate the issuance of building permits for the flood victims. To find out whether they are eligible for financial assistance from the government, affected residents should contact the Government of Québec.”

Councillor Richard Bégin, chair of the urbanism committee, added, “The characteristics for each flood zone were established by the provincial government. Any work done in the floodplain also falls under provincial policies.” Homeowners should know if their building(s) are within a flood zone or not, although the city can provide this information based on the address.

Both Gatineau and Québec City also maintain websites with this information and with various application forms. Call 311 for these sites.

(Bulletin staff)