As a form of flood mitigation, stricter zoning bylaws restrict developments in floodplains while building codes reduce the risk of infrastructure damage. These methods of flood mitigation address the long-term issue of flooding and risk to property either by building infrastructure capable of withstanding floods or by relocation efforts. While many soft and hard engineering options exist to mitigate against flooding, these policy options either relocates important infrastructure and private property to areas outside of the floodplain or strengthen infrastructure to withstand flooding [1].
Stricter building codes help to mitigate potential damage caused by high water levels. This method is typically implemented after major flooding occurs, therefore, is part of the recovery and rebuilding process that leads to further flood preparedness. For example, in Manitoba the flood damage reduction program discourages developments in floodplains and high risk areas; as a result, subsequent flooding of the Red River has caused less damage to infrastructure and homes [2].
For home and business owners, the following measures can be implemented to ensure buildings can withstand flooding; refurnish basements with water resistant materials that can easily be cleaned, seal basements to prevent seepage, protect or move electrical equipment in the basement to the upstairs, and protect plumbing equipment from sewage back-up [3].
In Alberta, stricter building codes have not been implemented on a large-scale, however, after the 2013 flood the provincial government has considered the option of stricter building codes and relocation such as limiting construction in high-risk areas [4]. For example, since the 1980’s the town of Drumheller has implemented stricter building codes that require homeowners to raise their property if on the floodplain. These efforts proved effective for Drumheller, which experienced very little damage from the 2013 flood [5].
Responsibility for improved building codes lies with the provincial government who can enforce building codes and standards that can withstand flooding. After the 2013 flood in Alberta, the provincial government released the Disaster Recovery Program in southern Alberta and the Wood Buffalo municipality. This program allowed for individuals to apply for funding to install flood mitigation measures in their homes and businesses [6]. While the opportunity for funding was provided by the provincial government, home and business owners were ultimately responsible for making the choice to implement stricter building codes that could prevent extensive flood damage. On the other hand, zoning bylaws are typically the responsibility of municipalities.
Stricter building codes do not need to account for differences between jurisdictions. Instead, building codes are implemented to protect home and business owners from extensive flood damage. The techniques used for flood protection typically apply across jurisdictions.
Stricter building codes apply to any area that experiences flooding.
Stricter building codes for homes and businesses cannot be enforced by the provincial government. Instead, through the Disaster Recovery Program, the government could offer funding to those willing to rebuild with flood mitigation in mind. This voluntary action also applies to relocation where the government of Alberta offered the option of moving out of the floodway to families and businesses willing to do so.
Building codes do not have a large impact on the surrounding environment and watershed. Instead, stricter building codes provide flood mitigation measures to homes and businesses to prevent extensive water damage.
Stricter building codes would not help in a drought as this measure is specifically designed to address flooding concerns and the impacts of water damage.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.