Flood victims in Pierrefonds-Roxboro sue city, borough for negligence

Some homeowners in Montreal's West Island who were flooded last spring say they're tired of waiting for action — so they're taking legal action against the city.

"The city failed to take any preventive action before the flood. The city had an obligation to 'implement preventive measures.' None were taken on 5th Avenue North," one civil lawsuit filed in small claims court reads.

The lawsuits are seeking anywhere between $500 to $135,000 in compensation for damages.

"When somebody does something wrong, they have to change their way. And if they don't change their way, then you've got to kick them, and that's just a kick," said one of the plaintiffs, Klaus Bodnik.

Bodnik is asking for $10,000 in compensation: $8,000 for repairs and $2,000 for personal distress.

Residents say even though a year has passed, nothing has been solved. Repairs are not finished; some homes are still uninhabitable, and homeowners are still on edge.

"We're concerned and worried about what's going to happen in the spring. Our backyard is on the water. We look at the water level and we worry," said Bodnik's wife, Susan.

Klaus Bodnik said their neighbourhood is mostly protected from flood waters, but one spot worries him: the area along the nearby train line is where water poured in last year.

Residents want a dike to be built there.

The borough has placed sandbags at the site, but some say they're ineffective because of the gaps between the bags.

"This is like a sieve. Those bags are not going to stop the water. It's going to take a lot more work to do it," Klaus Bodnik said.

The borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro says it will not comment because the matter is before the courts.