Montreal waits before decontaminating hidden dump sites

Many Montrealers who found out months ago their homes may have been built on old dump sites say they're tired of waiting for the city to take action.

• Contaminated dumps could be beneath 100s of Montreal homes and parks

"I can't afford to decontaminate my land," said Rosemont resident Richard Tremblay, who is one of hundreds of people who may be living on contaminated land.

Tremblay is one of many who didn't know the history of the land his home is built on until a Radio-Canada access to information request was released in the fall.  

It showed that there are nearly 80 contaminated sites where hundreds of buildings, schools and parks have since been built.

Tremblay said the city must admit what is happening and take action.

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City dragging its feet, opposition says

The opposition said the city needs to step up and do something about this problem.

"I find this unacceptable...They need answers," said Project Montreal city councillor Sylvain Ouellet. "Is it safe? Are their houses losing value?"

Ouellet said he wants the city administration to ask the province for money to help people decontaminate their property.

City reviewing situation

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said the city needs more time.

Coderre said a committee has been formed between the city, the provincial health and environment ministries. He said he wants all the answers before making any decisions. 

"Everyone works together to ensure that we can have all the answers – all the answers – to these questions," Coderre said.