Alberta is the next to receive federal funding for flood mitigation

The federal government has announced $8,717,650 in federal funding to support 18 flood mitigation projects in Alberta under the National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP).

In addition to the nearly $9 million federal aid, the provincial government of Alberta will provide another $5,278,150 for the projects. Some municipalities have also partnered with the province to pitch in $214,500, a release said.

“Weather-related natural disasters are getting more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive.  This is a threat not only to the safety of our communities, but to our economic stability,” said MP for Edmonton Centre and special advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues Randy Boissonnault. “Through the National Disaster Mitigation Program, the Government of Canada is determined to reduce these risks in partnership with provinces and territories.  The investments announced today are crucial in helping Alberta better prepare for and respond to flood risks.”

“The 2013 floods affected many communities in Alberta. Flood mapping and community risk assessment projects co-funded by the province and the federal government will help build safer communities over the long term,” commented Minister of Alberta Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office Shannon Phillips.

A release gave a breakdown of the 18 flood mitigation projects:

• Seven will provide funding for the completion of risk assessments to identify flood hazards, potential impacts, and community and infrastructure vulnerabilities;
• Seven will help communities identify specific impacts of a flood events on structures and people through the development of flood maps;
• Two will help communities plan to mitigate against future flooding events and;
• Two will help fund non-structural mitigation measures that will enhance flood preparedness in Alberta.

Since the establishment of the NDMP in 2015, the federal and provincial government of Alberta have each invested more than $9.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively, to 21 NDMP projects in the province. While 18 are still ongoing, three projects have already been completed:

• Two involved creating risk assessments using the Provincial Flood Damage Assessment Tool for the flood-vulnerable communities of Okotoks, Canmore, and Whitecourt.
• One involved creating flood mapping products in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray and the community of Draper.