New Brunswickers are more actively monitoring their flood risk. Other Canadian communities should too.
New Brunswick is known for its seemingly endless systems of rivers, streams, lakes and coastline. It’s no surprise that many of these beautiful areas have been home to many for centuries of people looking to enjoy living near the provinces many waterways. Residents in many of these communities will also learn at some point that these areas are prone to spring flooding, usually due to a combination of melting snow, heavy rain and/or ice jams.
New Brunswick’s worst overland flood in recent history was in the spring of 2018, triggered by rapidly rising temperatures and snowmelt that flowed into the Saint John River. The high water levels led to a number of emergency evacuations and damaged an estimated 12,000 properties by June.
The province of New Brunswick has wisely implemented an annual River Watch program, which monitors ice jams and river levels beginning in March. The province also recently updated its flood hazard maps to help predict the location, frequency and depth of coastal and inland flooding, as well as the future impacts of flooding. Both of these initiatives are excellent tools for citizens to stay informed and plan for the future.
Riverside and coastal communities aren’t the only ones at risk of overland floods. In July 2024, urban flooding in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) caused by extreme rainfall resulted in $990 million in insured damage, remnants of Hurricane Debbie in Quebec tallied $2.7 billion in insured damage, and a second flood in the GTA and southern Ontario caused $110 million in insured damage. The summer of 2024, which now stands out as the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses due to severe weather, demonstrated that flooding events are becoming more extreme.
If you own a home in a flood-prone area, the thought of sewer backup and expensive flood damage may be concerning, but fortunately you can take steps to protect your home and property.
Inside your home:
Store valuables on the upper floors of your home.
Use water-resistant building materials below ground level.
Install a sump pump with backup battery power in case of power outage.
Install backflow valves on drains, toilets and other basement sewer connections. Check with your municipality first to learn if permits are required and if rebates are available.
Anchor fuel tanks to the floor to prevent them from tipping over and spilling heating oil during a flood. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above anticipated or potential flood levels. For propane tanks, contact the propane company for best storage methods.
If flooding is imminent, shut off electricity to areas of the home that may be affected.
Outside your home:
Ensure your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your home to ensure that water drains away from basement walls.
Check sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways to make sure they haven’t settled over time and aren’t causing water to drain toward your house.
Consider landscaping with native plants that resist soil erosion.
Keep water out of window wells.
Use sandbags, install flood shields or built-up barriers to prevent water from entering through basement windows and doors.
Find out if your home insurance covers flood
Flood coverage is optional and typically covers specific types of water damage, such as the overflow of lakes, ponds or rivers; surface water from heavy rainfall or melting snow; and ground water or the rising of the water table, causing water to enter a home at the ground level or by seeping through windows, doors and walls. Homeowners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance representative with any questions about their policy.
If you do experience flood damage, visit IBC’s resource page to learn more about how to file an insurance claim, what is covered under additional living expenses and other frequently asked questions. If you don't see the information you're looking for, contact Insurance Bureau of Canada's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422).
Be aware of your flood risk
Many communities offer flood hazard mapping to help homeowners understand their risks. Check Flood Smart Canada to see if your community has a flood map service and find other information about flood-prone areas.
