A new tool – the Municipal Flood Risk Diagnostic – launched by the Intact Center for Climate Adaptation, will help Canadian municipalities assess their exposure to flooding, level of preparedness and actions to take to limit flood risks. future flooding.
The need for this diagnosis is urgent. Canada’s 2023 National Risk Profile identified that the country is not ready for flooding. 10% of the Canadian real estate market is uninsurable in the event of surface flooding, and homes in flood-affected communities have sold for up to 17% less after a flooding event. As observed during the floods in Nova Scotia in 2023, preparation could not only have limited financial losses, but above all perhaps could have saved four lives swept away by torrential floods.
The Municipal Flood Risk Diagnostic tool was developed by 53 flood experts over two years, including representatives from all levels of government, and municipal insurance provider, Intact Public Entities.
“When it comes to reducing flood risk, actions speak louder than words,” explains Joanna Eyquem, co-author of the Diagnostic and Managing Director, Climate Resilient Infrastructure at the Intact Centre. “Identifying a full range of actions to manage flood risk is a challenge for many communities – this is where the Diagnostic comes in.”
While all levels of government have a role to play, municipalities are on the front lines of flood risk management. Starting in 2024, they can apply for funding to reduce climate risks through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund. Where the Diagnostic identifies vulnerabilities, FCM funding could provide support to limit potentially costly losses for homeowners and communities.
This positive municipal action aligns with several targets of the National Adaptation Strategy, including:
- By 2025, 50% of Canadians will have taken concrete steps to better prepare for and respond to the climate change-related risks their households face.
- By 2027, 80% of coastal communities and 60% of businesses located in coastal regions implement adaptation measures to increase climate resilience and reduce the economic effects of climate change.
- By 2030, 80% of public and municipal organizations will have integrated adaptation to climate change into their decision-making processes.
“As climate change amplifies heavy precipitation, communities from coast to coast must modify policies, infrastructure and services to adapt to new realities,” said Carole Saab, CEO of FCM. “This tool allows local governments to assess their flood risk management practices against national best practices, targeting strengths and opportunities for improvement with the goal of protecting communities from climate hazards.”
Municipalities are invited to use the Diagnostic to:
1. Understand their exposure to flooding, even where no flood maps are available.
2. Compare and document their current flood preparedness, based on Canadian guidelines and standards.
3. Record progress in reducing the municipality’s flood risk over time.
4. Access a library of key resources on flood preparedness and risk, such as the National Standards of Canada.
5. Demonstrate flood preparedness to interested parties.
6. Establish priority of measures according to the type and extent of flooding.
7. Guide the planning of future investments and financing requests.
8. Prepare to answer likely questions from municipal insurers when developing insurance policies.
9. Contribute to the goals and targets of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy.
10. Support municipal staff and service delivery.
Robust tools to limit the risk of flooding are not enough on their own. Support from multiple stakeholders, including FCM, provincial and territorial municipal associations, standards bodies and insurers, will be crucial to encouraging widespread use of the Municipal Flood Risk Diagnostic to drive change on the ground. The Diagnostic could also inform the development of a system to incentivize community flood risk management actions under the National Flood Insurance Program, announced in the 2023 Federal Budget.
Driven by irreversible climate change, the risk of flooding will continue to increase. The Diagnostic offers a roadmap to reduce this risk and should be included in the toolbox of municipalities.
