Support for rain garden design and installation

 

Did you know that in 2023, Laval recorded 1,747 overflows, each lasting an average of 5 hours? Rain gardens are ideal for managing runoff water.

 

 

Would you like to install a rain garden at your home? Call us!

When installing a rain garden, the CRE de Laval team will come directly to your home to conduct a complete assessment of the site.This field visit includes several key steps:

• Measuring the roof area to estimate the volume of rainwater to be managed;
• Observing the water path to the gutter;
• Identifying the optimal location for creating an efficient rain garden;
• Performing a soil percolation test to ensure the site's ability to absorb rainwater.

 

A personalized report for an environmentally friendly design

Following this visit, our team will provide you with a detailed report. This document specifies whether the property is suitable for the creation of a rain garden. The report features:

• The recommended size of the rain garden;
• The ideal location on the property;
• A list of recommended native plants that are adapted to local conditions and promote biodiversity.

This service allows citizens to contribute to sustainable stormwater management while beautifying their property with eco-friendly landscaping.

Fifteen Laval residents will have the opportunity to benefit from this service free of charge. Don't wait, contact us by filling out this accompaniment request form (in French).

 

What is a rain garden?

 

 

Why create a rain garden?

 

Rain gardens...

• Manage water at the source.

• Reduce runoff pollution.

• Beautify your space while promoting biodiversity.

• Combat heat islands. 

 

To find out more about rain gardens, download our brochure (in French).

 

Testimony

 

"We have to take action, right? I think that's where we are now. We can't continue to have a city where the sewer systems fill up with rainwater and end up in people's basements. I have several neighbors who have experienced this, and this summer, we did too. There was a heavy rain and the sewers backed up into the house. So it's important that we take action. And then there's also the fact that there's more water in the groundwater. If all the water goes into the sewers, there's definitely no water left for our trees."

— Sylvie, resident of the Auteuil neighborhood

 

FAQ

 

Does a rain garden require a lot of maintenance?

During the first year...

• Weed as needed and add mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Water according to temperature and soil conditions, especially during hot or dry periods.

After that, the rain garden becomes almost self-sufficient and requires very little maintenance. 

 

Can I install a watering system?

No. Rain gardens should not be equipped with drinking water irrigation systems.

 

Can I decorate my rain garden with lots of stones?

The use of inert materials (such as stones or gravel) should be kept to a minimum.

 

Is there a subsidy available?

Thanks to the City of Laval's “Pollinator Garden” subsidy, 75% of your plant and material purchase costs (amounts before taxes) are eligible for reimbursement, up to a maximum of $400.

 

Where can I install my rain garden?

Your rain garden cannot be located within the right-of-way of the street or within 2 meters of...

• a traffic lane;
• an outdoor shut-off valve (e.g., water hydrant);
• a manhole, municipal sewer sump;
• or a fire hydrant.

Does my land have to be flat?

It must be built on a gentle slope (less than 12%).

 

Examples of rain gardens (credit: OBV Yamaska):

 

Rain garden examples (credit: OBV Yamaska):

 

 

 

 

 

This project is made possible thanks to: