A Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu couple has been living in fear for two years after discovering a dilapidated stormwater drain near their home, rendering it uninsurable and forcing its owners to pay for the risk of flooding to dozens of neighbors .
“We are all living through a nightmare,” said Michael Dumont, a young father, his eyes in the water. The city wants to sue us – it’s David versus Goliath. We’ve already used up all our savings.”
By purchasing their property in 2021, Michael Dumont and Vanessa Chapleau became unwilling owners of a stormwater drainage pipe used by the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Little Evalie and Lyanna’s parents now live in constant fear because they are uninsurable. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
He and his partner Vanessa Chapleau purchased land on the banks of the Richelieu River in 2021. They wanted to build their dream home there to raise their young daughters Evalie and Lyanna. But during the excavation work, the couple quickly became disillusioned when a large rainwater drain pipe was found in the ground a meter from their future home.
Since the city had given him proper building permits, the work was still allowed to continue.
The storm drain pipe runs next to Michael Dumont’s house and flows into the Richelieu River, which is behind his home. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“I never thought I would have all these problems,” the father breathes today.
- Have an insurance broker explain the different possible coverage options for claims QUB radio :
“Compensate everyone”
The problem is that by taking over this property, Michael Dumont and his wife were also guarantors of the underground stormwater pipe that serves the neighborhood. Following an assessment by an engineer, the couple also learned that the installation was not up to code and required urgent work.
“Technically, in the event of a flood, I am responsible for all the homes served by that line. We’re talking about sixty houses. If driving is canceled, I have to compensate everyone,” explains Mr. Dumont.
Driving during excavation work. Courtesy of CAPREA
As a result, the house is uninsurable due to the huge civil liability involved. According to his lawyer, it no longer has a market value.
What is noteworthy is that despite the poor condition of the pipe and the refusal to take it over, the city continues to use this pipe to drain rainwater.
And the city would have clearly announced its intention to sue him if Michael Dumont had tried to block it to get insured, he claims.
Why a permit?
Michael Dumont then wonders why he was given a building permit because the city knew full well that there was a storm sewer there. In fact, a 2013 location certificate found in the city’s archives clearly establishes the location of the storm sewer. But in 2021, driving disappeared from Mr. Dumont’s location certificate.
In addition, the mechanic found a letter from 1987 showing that the storm sewer was installed at the city’s request.
Running out of options and constantly worried, Michael Dumont was forced to file a lawsuit against the city and the previous owners for a hidden defect. He’s asking around $350,000.
“If someone uses your tank, do they at least have to pay you for the gas?” Photo: I Alexandre Cahier, the 36-year-old’s lawyer. “Everyone says the pipe belongs to my client but no one allows him to remove it, it’s ridiculous. Why should a citizen be responsible for evacuating water?
The city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu refused to answer our questions due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.