Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada is increasingly experiencing severe flooding events, which are the most costly and widespread natural disasters in the country. Flooding affects communities and ecosystems from coast to coast. However, the reasons behind these floods vary greatly depending on the region. For example, the 2013 Calgary floods were caused by heavy rain combined with melting snow, resulting in damages of up to 6 billion CAD, while the 2021 floods in British Columbia, triggered by atmospheric rivers, caused billions of dollars in losses. Other regions, like the Atlantic provinces, face flooding from post-tropical storms, and ice jams and rapid snowmelt impact northern areas. These events highlight the critical need for improved flood prediction and risk management strategies. Public Safety Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are collaborating with an academic consortium to create a Canada-wide, open-source flood hazard model to address these challenges. This model will improve floodplain understanding and provide consistency by developing a system tailored to Canada's specific needs. The project will enhance Canada's disaster resilience and is critical for reducing floods' economic and social impacts, protecting lives and property, and adapting to the increasing flood risks posed by climate change.