On February 8, Water Institute member Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation, was a witness to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources discussion of a study on the effects of transitioning to a low carbon economy. The study looks at five key sectors responsible for 80 per cent of our emissions: electricity, oil and gas, transportation, buildings and trade-exposed industries, and how they can contribute to meeting Canada's emission goals.
Feltmate presented on the financial and social need to mitigate flood in Canada. He explains that flooding is the #1 cost to Canada in terms of extreme weather events and is creating a growing uninsurable housing market. Insurance coverage for flooding is decreasing leaving homeowners with a bill on average of about $43,000 to fix a flooded basement and often forcing them out of their homes. Feltmate also notes that other extreme weather risks also contribute to the problem.
It's not all doom and gloom though, Feltmate shares that Canada will be implementing four new standards relating to flooding with a new fire standard beginning development shortly. He also outlined some of the next steps like educating home inspectors on how to assess basement flood risks and creating a self-assessment app.
Afterwards, Feltmate answered a variety of questions from senators on his presentation.
Watch Feltmate's presentation (approximately the first 45 minutes), which was broadcast on live television, and see his presentation slides.