Prime Minister Stephen Harper toured Quebec's flood zone for the first time Monday, proposing long-term ideas to offset similar disasters in the future.

The prime minister took a 15-minute helicopter ride over the area south of Montreal, where 3,000 homes have been flooded in 22 municipalities.

Surrounded by security, Harper also took a walking tour of flood assistance centres, and was spared the worst of the river, with water only coming up to the soles of his shoes.

Under sunny skies, Harper chatted with area residents and met with local officials.

"It's obvious the damage is considerable," Harper said at a news conference after his short visit. "Our goal is to help them return to a normal life as quickly as possible."

Harper announced several initiatives — including financial help for Quebec's disaster response and funding for its flood-mitigation program.

Ottawa will fund 50 per cent – or $2 million – of Quebec's existing $4 million flood-mitigation plan for the Montérégie region.

There will also be disaster response assistance, after Quebec sends the standard request for federal help. That request must be completed within six months.

The prime minister also announced plans for a national disaster-mitigation strategy to improve flood-preventing infrastructure.

Conservative government stands by flood response

Wearing a blazer and slacks, Harper was dressed for meetings with officials — not for sloshing through floodwaters as other high-profile visitors have done, including Defence Minister Peter MacKay last week.

The federal government has come under some criticism for its handling of the disaster.

Some residents and politicians say the military presence was scaled down too quickly and Ottawa hasn't done enough to help.

Despite pressure to keep soldiers at the flood zone, there are no plans to assign troops to assist in cleanup efforts underway, as some local residents have urged.

About 3,000 homes have been flooded since the waters began rising in the Richelieu River and Lake Champlain basin in early May.

Floodwaters have gradually started to recede in recent days but still remain about a metre above normal June levels.

With files from The Canadian Press