Province introduces new rules to reduce future flood damage
Posted Jul 15, 2013 7:45 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Redford government is going to use flood mapping to help determine where people can or cannot rebuild following the flood of 2013.
Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths says homeowners and businesses in so-called floodway zones will be urged to relocate.
Griffiths says those in flood fringe zones will be allowed to rebuild, but the property will also have to incorporate the latest in flood mitigation measures, or they won’t get financial help the next time the water rises.
He says at this point, they really don’t know how many people are going to be impacted by the new rules, which he suggests banks and insurance companies support.
Calgary Alderman Druh Farrell tells 660News she’s not sure how the new rules will impact those who live on the Bow and Elbow rivers or operations like the zoo, with those discussions yet to take place.
The province has already committed $1-billion to the flood recovery and reconstruction program.
Some government legislation will also be amended, especially when it comes to future developments in floodways, which will no longer be allowed.
Provincial officials say they don’t have all the answers and will deal with the various questions that arise on a case-by-case basis.
