Vancouver and Winnipeg see more homes built in flood zones, StatsCan says

A Statistics Canada report says a significant number of homes in Winnipeg, Vancouver, ChathamKent, Ont., and Chilliwack, B.C., are located in high flood hazard areas. The report also finds that in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, a growing share of those homes are newer builds. Researchers say housing pressure and affordability challenges may be pushing development into lowercost land that is more exposed to flooding. In Winnipeg, more than 112,000 properties, or about 45 per cent of residences in the metro area, are in areas classified as high flood hazard zones. In Metro Vancouver, more than 85,000 homes, or just over 10 per cent of residential properties, are in similar risk areas. The article notes that the StatsCan analysis does not account for flood protections such as dikes and floodways, but experts say it still shows where exposure could become a concern if those defences are overwhelmed. Climate researchers and engineers interviewed for the report say stronger planning, better regulation and continued investment in flood infrastructure will be important as heavier rainfall, spring flooding and sealevel rise increase longterm risk.