The Water Security Agency (WSA) of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, is committing $9 million to update and expand flood maps for high-risk communities in the province.
This 50-50 cost-sharing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan will contribute $4.5 million each to the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) until 2027-28.
“This program is essential to advance our aerial lidar and ground survey work in critical areas of the province most vulnerable to flooding,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency David Marit said. “The information we collect will help us identify where risks are, which will lead to a better understanding of the mitigation and protection work required to keep people and communities safe.”
The funding will enable the WSA to obtain professional consulting services for developing flood mapping products. This data can assist communities in creating flood emergency management plans, community plans, and zoning by identifying floodplains, as well as determining flood mitigation requirements and options.
The WSA will continue collaborating with communities that have ongoing flood mapping projects, including Moose Jaw, Regina, Melfort, Tisdale, Estevan, and Cumberland House.
“Flood maps are an essential part of building resiliency to natural disasters in our urban municipalities around the province,” SUMA President Randy Goulden said. “As the effects of climate change continue to grow, this resilience will enable our members, from the smallest villages to the largest cities, to continue to provide essential services to their residents.”
The WSA recently completed a multi-year flood mapping study with the Town of Eastend, which provided valuable insights into the location and size of the floodplain, as well as the areas and infrastructure most at risk. Eastend Mayor Jesse Gordon expressed appreciation for the WSA’s support and its contribution to improving the town’s Emergency Response Plan.
Developing community flood mapping is one of the 25 measures of resilience in the Government of Saskatchewan’s Climate Resilience Measurement Framework.
The WSA’s research indicates that every dollar invested in flood prevention can save up to $20 in flood damages for each community. Natural Resources Canada leads the FHIMP, collaborating with provinces and territories to advance flood hazard mapping in high-risk areas.
Source : Water Security Agency
