Environment
Environmental responsability
Adaptation to climate change

Adaptation to climate change

In recent years, episodes of heavy rain and extreme heat have become increasingly frequent, causing damage to urban infrastructure and property in Saint-Lambert. Aware of this reality, in the fall of 2025, the Ville de Saint-Lambert launched an initiative to plan measures to better protect its population and infrastructure.

As part of this process, we have commissioned a specialized firm to develop a climate change adaptation plan. This plan aims to better understand the areas most vulnerable to extreme heat and heavy rain, and then implement green developments adapted to our territory that will improve comfort, safety, and quality of life. These developments may take the form of sponge parks, retention basins, rain gardens, etc.

Thanks to the OASIS program (component 1) of the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP), we are receiving a grant covering 80% of the costs of implementing this adaptation plan, which represents an investment of $250,000.

Oasis Program

This program helps municipalities protect themselves against the effects of climate change in urban areas, particularly heat waves and torrential rains, two increasingly frequent weather phenomena. These events can pose a risk to public health and be amplified by urban development. For example, asphalt parking lots contribute to the creation of heat islands in the summer and prevent rainwater infiltration, causing overflows, flooding, and damage to infrastructure.

The OASIS program therefore supports the implementation or improvement of green infrastructure, such as sponge parks, trees, and retention basins, to help counter these impacts.

A multi-part program

The development of an adaptation plan is part of component 1 of the program, which funds studies to understand the risks and identify appropriate solutions. Once this plan has been developed, we will then be able to submit a new grant application under part 2 to finance the concrete implementation of the proposed solutions. Part 3 supports the maintenance of this infrastructure, in particular through the development and adoption of a sustainability strategy.

This initiative is much more than just a study project: it is an investment in collective well-being and quality of life.

With heat waves becoming increasingly common during the summer, it is necessary to provide citizens with more cool spots. The proposed developments will also enable us to be better prepared for all types of precipitation and reduce the risk of flooding in our area.

By promoting a greener environment, we will build a safer, more pleasant city that is better equipped to face the climate challenges of tomorrow.

Quelles sont les principales étapes du projet?

1) Climate risk analysis (fall 2025)

In fall 2025, the firm hired by the City conducted a detailed analysis of the risks associated with heat waves and heavy precipitation in our area.

2) Response planning (fall 2025 and winter 2026)

The analysis enabled the firm to identify priority areas for action and to plan development solutions that were integrated into a structured climate change adaptation plan.

3) Public consultation (winter 2026)

Citizens will be invited to express their views on the actions planned in the priority areas.

The public consultation took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 7 p.m., at the Multi-purpose Center (81 Hooper Street).

A total of about 50 citizens came to learn more and share their ideas for strengthening our community's resilience to climate change. They learned about the targeted sites (Gordon Park, Village Park, and the public parking lot on Notre-Dame Avenue) and discussed potential developments for these locations.

Were you unable to join us? You can view the presentation shown during the evening. Would you like to read the consultation report? You can find it here: Rapport récapitulatif Ville de Saint Lambert Consultation 5 février 2026.

Please send us your comments by emailing us at genie@saint-lambert.ca.

4) Planning of work on the sites concerned (to be determined)

Once the consultation process is complete, City teams will develop plans and specifications for the selected developments at the sites concerned and plan the work. At this stage, it will be possible to submit a new grant application under part 2 of the Oasis program to finance the implementation of the developments. The projects will be carried out according to established priorities, budgets, and available resources.

5) Development of a maintenance plan (to be determined)

The final step will be to develop a maintenance plan for the new infrastructure. Here again, the City may apply for a grant under part 3 of the Oasis program.

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