December 2020
Maryam Golnaraghi
Jason Thistlethwaite
Daniel Henstra
Craig Stewart
Flood risk management (FRM) in Canada is transitioning from a hazard-based approach towards a more risk-based anticipatory model. Path dependence favouring structural defence measures and government disaster assistance, however, continues to be a barrier to more substantial reform. Indeed, critical elements of effective FRM need to be further developed in Canada, including publicly available flood risk maps, risk-based incentives for community- and property-level flood protection and increased market penetration for flood insurance. These gaps are a consequence of limited political will and fragmentation between federal, provincial and municipal governments, who have varying roles, interests and capacities in supporting FRM. However, there is also evidence of reform, with recent federal and provincial government investment in expanding flood insurance, flood risk mapping and programmes for relocation and incorporation of climate change considerations into infrastructure and risk assessment. Better monitoring and evaluation of FRM in Canada could improve multi-stakeholder coordination and highlight improvements that should be replicated and weaknesses that should be prioritised.