Updated Flood Safety Regulations Unveiled by Saskatchewan's Provincial Administration
The Saskatchewan provincial government has announced an update to its flood standards plan, lowering the design level to a one-in-200-year flood event. This change aligns with new federal government guidelines and disaster financial assistance frameworks, and aims to improve community safety, enhance land-use planning, and increase property values [1][3][5].
The shift in flood standards reflects a 0.5% annual chance of flooding and is part of a broader effort to ensure new construction is flood-resistant. The changes also aim to plan safer ways to build new developments in desired spots near creeks, rivers, and lakes. By adopting these measures, the province hopes to manage properties in flood-prone areas more effectively [1][3].
However, the update has sparked debate among experts and stakeholders. John Pomeroy, Director of the University of Saskatchewan's Water Futures Programme, has raised concerns about the timing of the change, given the recent frequency of floods due to extreme weather. He also expressed worries about insurance coverage for certain flood-prone zones [1].
The Water Security Agency (WSA) and the federal government have donated over $2.7 million for flood-mapping programs across Saskatchewan since 2021. The WSA is now working with communities to help them adapt to the changes and begin planning flood mapping [1].
It's important to note that a one-in-200-year flood risk is a 0.5% chance of flooding occurring in a given year. While the move to a one-in-200-year flood standard is meant to align with federal policy and improve practical flood risk management, it also generates debate about whether it adequately addresses evolving flood risks under climate change, as well as implications for insurance, development, and community resilience in Saskatchewan [1][5].
A previous version of an article incorrectly referred to John Pomeroy as Director for the Global Institute of Water Security. For the record, John Pomeroy is the Director of the University of Saskatchewan's Water Futures Programme.
As the province moves forward with this update, it will be interesting to see how the changes impact the community, development, and the overall resilience of Saskatchewan in the face of changing weather patterns and flood risks.
The update in Saskatchewan's flood standards policy-and-legislation is generating debate, particularly in relation to its impact on the general-news sectors like weather and climate change. John Pomeroy, the Director of the University of Saskatchewan's Water Futures Programme, has expressed concerns about the timing of the change, in light of the recent frequency of floods due to extreme weather.
