An abandoned car sits on a flooded section of Hammonds Plains Road last year. Municipal staff has been developing an inventory of flood-prone areas in the region, and have found 700 problem areas. (STAFF / FILE)
As rising sea levels and storm surges threaten Nova Scotia’s coastline, Halifax regional council will consider applying for federal cash to carry out a risk assessment of flood-prone areas in the region.
A city staff report set to be discussed by council Tuesday recommends submitting an application to the National Disaster Mitigation Program.
The federal program is expected to dole out $200 million over the next five years to help communities prepare for flood risk and costs through risk assessments, flood mapping, mitigation planning and small-scale projects.
Municipal staff has been developing an inventory of flood-prone areas in the region, and have found 700 problem areas. In addition, there are 500 sites in the Halifax region that require flood-prevention efforts before a major storm.
Staff said the work would cost about $200,000, of which Ottawa could pay for up to 50 per cent. It is expected the municipality and Halifax Water would split the remaining costs.
The risk assessment would provide the municipality with data on the impacts, consequences and frequency of floods, said the staff report, which would help council prioritize mitigation projects and capital works.
Climate change, including more powerful storms, rising sea levels, extreme precipitation and flash flooding, is a major issue for municipalities across the province.
With 13,300 kilometres of coastline and nearly three-quarters of the population living near the ocean, Nova Scotia communities are increasingly preparing for increasing flood risks.
Concerns include public safety, protection of property and water quality.