Municipal Flood Risk Check-Up Graphic

A new tool – the Municipal Flood Risk Check-Up – is now available to help Canadian municipalities assess flood hazards, their level of flood preparedness, and actions to limit future flood risk. The Check-Up tool was developed over the last two years by the University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (ICCA), in partnership with IPE, along with 53 flood experts, including representatives from all levels of government. 

Municipalities are at the heart of flood risk management. Completion of the Check-Up is an excellent first step in the flood risk management journey, as well as providing an easy way to benchmark and monitor progress. 

Municipalities can use the Check-Up to:  

  • Gain an understanding of flood exposure, even where flood mapping is not available.  
  • Benchmark and document their current flood preparedness by drawing on Canadian guidance and standards.  
  • Document progress towards reduction of municipal flood risk over time.  
  • Access a library of key resources on flood risk and preparedness, including National Standards of Canada.  
  • Demonstrate municipal flood preparedness to interested parties.  
  • Prioritise actions for different flood types and at different scales.  
  • Inform future investment planning and funding applications.  
  • Anticipate and answer questions that may be asked by municipal insurers in developing insurance policies.  
  • Contribute to objectives and targets identified in Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy.  
  • Support municipal staff and service delivery.  

Driven by irreversible climate change, flood risk will continue to grow. The Check-Up provides a roadmap to reduce this risk and is an important tool in your municipal risk management toolbox.  

Read the full press release here. 

Download the Check-Up (and accompanying report) for free.