Overland flooding is a lot more common in Canada than many residents realize. We are blessed with a huge network of rivers, lakes, and low-lying areas (admittedly combined with unpredictable weather patterns), and each spring, melting snow and ice, along with heavy rainfall, can overwhelm waterways and drainage systems. Urban development, or the “concrete jungles” the majority of Canadians live in, have also increased runoff, especially in cities with limited green space. In addition, climate change is intensifying storms and precipitation, making extreme weather events more frequent. Flash floods are not unusual after a heavy rainstorm.
Last summer was a bad one for flooding. Extreme rainfall caused widespread urban flooding across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, resulting in $990 million in insured damages. Meanwhile, the remnants of Hurricane Debbie led to $2.7 billion in damages in Quebec, and another flood event in southern Ontario added $110 million more in losses.
In fact, floods are considered to be one of the most frequent natural hazards in Canada. Every river and stream in the province could possibly flood, says AlbertaWater.com.
Of course, Calgarians and southern Albertans, who enjoy the benefits of living near the Bow and Elbow Rivers, will always remember the massive flood of June 2013, which resulted in damages of more than $6 billion. A total of 32 states of emergency were declared and more than 100,000 people evacuated from their homes.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however, as over the last 12 years, Calgary has made great strides in becoming more flood resilient. Significant investments in infrastructure, such as new gates on the Glenmore Dam, have reduced the city’s flood risk by 55%. Additional flood mitigation projects that will help protect Calgary continue to progress, including the Sunnyside flood barrier and Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir, both of which are projected to be completed this year and will reduce Calgary’s flood risk by a total of 70%.
Checking your risk
Get to know your home’s flood risk by checking your location on Calgary’s flood maps. As river conditions are unpredictable and can change very quickly, keep visiting calgary.ca/floodinfo for consistent updates. Calgarians can also sign up for alerts to stay informed.
Edmonton also provides flood risk maps and mitigation advice where residents can check if they are in a “hot spot.”
The Alberta Government’s Flood Awareness Map Application shows areas at risk for different-sized floods, including ice jam floods in some communities, and identifies areas protected by flood berms. Additional information such as Flood Hazard Maps, Flood Likelihood Maps, Flood Range Maps, and an Alluvial Fan inventory are also provided.
If you are unable to find specific information related to your area, go to Flood Smart Canada to learn more about flood-prone zones across the country.
Protecting your home from flood damage
If you live in a flood-prone area, concerns about sewer backups and costly repairs are valid, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Inside your home:
- Store valuables on upper floors.
- Use water-resistant building materials in basements or below ground level.
- Install a sump pump with a battery backup in case of power failure.
- Add backflow valves to basement drains, toilets, and sewer connections.
- If flooding is imminent, turn off electricity in at-risk areas of your home.
Outside your home:
- Ensure proper grading around your house so water flows away from the foundation.
- Inspect sidewalks, patios, and driveways for settling that could redirect water toward your home.
- Use native plants in your landscaping to help prevent soil erosion.
- Keep water out of window wells.
- Purchase sandbags, flood shields, or barriers to block water from entering through basement windows and doors if the need occurs.
Overland flood insurance
The definition of overland flooding is essentially water where it’s not supposed to be, or, more technically, an overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. This is most commonly the result of a river or stream spilling over due to excess rainfall or snowmelt (as what happened in Calgary), or, as in the case of the Fort McMurray flood of 2020, an unnatural obstruction in the form of a massive 25-kilometre ice jam on the Athabasca River.
Overland flood insurance was not previously available to Canadians prior to 2013, however most major providers now offer this coverage as part of an enhanced (or extended) water damage endorsement, or as a stand-alone addition. The description should clearly stipulate the cause as a rising body of water, and as is usual with insurance policies, exclusions will apply.
Other extended water damage endorsements may also include coverage for accidents such as groundwater entering your home through basement windows or the foundation, as well as sewer backups and sump pump overflows. In the case of a major flood, it is common for municipal infrastructure to be overwhelmed and for water to enter through sewer drains. Sewer backup coverage is extremely important. One way to avoid your sewer backing up is to have a backflow valve installed by a professional. The National Plumbing Code 2020 requires that any fixture located below the level of the adjacent street and exposed to potential backflow must be protected. The appropriate method of protection may vary depending on the specific installation and intended use.This combined with adequate insurance coverage should provide excellent peace of mind.
Lane’s is your Alberta insurance ally
When it comes to your home insurance coverage, we at Lane’s are your allies in the insurance business. We are a leading Alberta-based brokerage, committed to providing outstanding customer service, advanced claims support, and access to the widest possible range of insurance products. We are locally owned and work for you, not for the insurance companies. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta offices.
