Floods are some of the most impactful hazards in Canada, and the Halifax region is no exception. As we are vulnerable to many types of flooding, this has widespread impacts in our communities and lives. These impacts are felt before, during, and long after events.

People

Emergency services

Environment

Toxic materials

Displacement

Health

Economic
Other flood economic impacts
- Researchers from the University of Waterloo estimated that households that experienced a basement flood needed an average of seven days off work, 10x the average for non-flooded households (link)
- In 2018, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimated that the average cost to repair and restore a flooded basement in Canada was $43,000 (source: Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation)
- Research from the Canadian Climate Institute estimate that flood damage to homes and buildings could increase fivefold in the next few decades and by a factor of ten by the end of the century, with costs as high as $13.6 billion annually.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that the July 2023 flood caused over $170 million in insured damages. Insured damages represent just a fraction of estimated damages from an event, so the actual costs for Nova Scotians are much higher.
July 2023 by the numbers
$170 million
1,325
250 mm
Explore further: What causes floods
Do you know what causes flooding in the municipality?