What can be done

Flooding is a significant risk that affects our communities, but there are ways to build resilience by preparing, protecting, responding, and restoring. Everyone has a role to play in reducing the impacts of floods. Check the get flood ready page for more information about what you can do at home.

The following page summarizes government efforts to manage flood risk and build resilience. These actions are coordinated and implemented by all levels of government, such as providing funding for flood mapping, data collection, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, flood relief funding and infrastructure improvements.

In this section, we'll explore the key actions being taken to reduce flood risks and increase resilience. These actions are grouped into four main categories:

1. Planning for the future
2. Protecting our communities
3. Responding to floods
4. Repairing and recovering

Planning for the future

Effective, long-term management of floods begins with thoughtful planning. Planning actions include understanding flood risks, designing communities with flood resilience in mind and developing strategies to prevent and mitigate floods.

Examples of how planning can increase resilience to floods

Over several decades, the municipality has studied flood risk for the Sackville and Little Sackville River and worked to incorporate this into planning and policy. More information on the process for the Sackville and Little Sackville Rivers can be found here. As part of this initiative, a mitigation study was completed that recommended that flood risk should be managed first through policy measures (like amending land use) before beginning to invest in costly flood protection infrastructure.

The 2020 flood mitigation study for the Sackville River highlights the importance of prioritizing flood risk management through policy measures before investing in costly flood protection infrastructure. Avoiding placing things within the floodplain is the best way to decrease flood damage and to protect public safety. It is important to understand what is at risk in the floodplain to effectively plan to protect it – it is important to avoid adding to the level of risk. Limiting development in flood-prone areas is the key priority, and once these restrictions are in place, the focus can be placed on making smart investments in flood protection infrastructure.

Other planning initiatives in the municipality include:

• Regional Planning: The Halifax Regional Municipality Planning Strategy (the Regional Plan) is in the process of being updated. The existing Regional Plan includes direction on flood protection, including buffers around watercourses and vertical setbacks. The upcoming updates to the Regional Plan, if implemented, will strengthen policies for flood protection and climate adaptation.
• Green infrastructure: The municipality is developing green infrastructure engineering and design standards. These standards will help designers and engineers incorporate green infrastructure that can be used to help manage flooding. Green infrastructure uses natural systems and engineered systems to manage water quantity and quality. This includes urban forests, bioswales, restored wetlands, green roofs, and permeable pavers.  These standards are targeted to development in the municipality right-of-way, however, developers, designers and residents are already encouraged to incorporate green infrastructure. Learn more about nature based solutions at home.

Responding to floods

When floods happen, it's crucial for communities to have a well-coordinated response. Emergency management plays a vital role in keeping people safe and minimizing damage. Halifax's Emergency Management team works alongside other local and regional agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response. Always follow directives from emergency management, including instructions to evacuate or shelter in place.

Visit the municipality’s Emergency Management webpage for more information about floods.

Examples of how responding can increase resilience to floods:

An example of new approaches to building resilience to floods is the creation of the Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry (VVPR). The VVPR is a voluntary, self-referral list only for residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality who may require support during emergency situations. The VVPR provides important information to Emergency Management staff, volunteers and, first responders to help appropriately respond to resident needs in situations including power outages, floods and severe storms. Visit the Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry webpage for more information.

Repairing and recovering

After a flood or disaster happens, we can’t rebuild the same way and expect different results. Halifax has begun to incorporate the concept of “build back better” into long term planning and recovery. This approach focuses on not just restoring infrastructure but making it more resilient to future events. Examples of recovering strategies include:

• Building with resilience: When infrastructure like roads, culverts, and bridges need repairs or upgrades, the municipality prioritizes making them more resilient. This can include upsizing culverts to handle more water, using stronger materials, or opting for green infrastructure solutions over traditional methods.

• Nature-based solutions: Halifax is getting better at recognizing the power of natural solutions, such as wetlands or forests, to manage floodwaters and improve water quality. These strategies can help manage floods, while also benefiting local ecosystems and improving the beauty of our communities. Learn more about nature-based solutions here.