2023 flash floods prompt stringent development limits in Bedford floodplains
Halifax aims to restrict future development in Bedford's flood-prone regions
Catastrophic flooding that impacted Nova Scotia back in July of 2023 ranks as one of the highest impact flash floods in Canadian history.
In some areas, more than 250 mm of rain fell in just days.
Before the flood happened, the Halifax Regional Municipality had been looking into the "long overdue" remapping of the floodplain in Bedford.
RELATED: From fires to floods: Canada's 2023 was a fury of record-breaking weather
Halifax council has now passed the first reading of proposed changes that involve land use along the Sackville River and Little Sackville River. It's the first time the planning rules have been changed in the area since the 1980s or early 1990s.
The proposed zoning amendments are set to restrict industrial usage among other designations. Halifax residents can use the online mapping service to check how their address aligns with the new proposed floodplain areas.
DON'T MISS: Nova Scotia flood catastrophe — what went wrong?
The new flood maps derive from a 2017 study, recently updated to reflect climate change projections. Accurate flood maps would safeguard potential property buyers, and shield taxpayers from footing the bill for repairs to existing homes.
"In what’s called the 1-in-20 zone, you can have things like parks and trails, just no buildings that would have human habitation," says Bedford-Wentworth Councillor, Jean St-Amand. "The vast majority of the time, it’s relatively safe, it’s just not a good place to have a home or business set up."
He notes that due to the flooding, many businesses and residents have seen significant shifts in their insurance premiums. The scope of the designated flood zone has also expanded considerably to acknowledge the effects of climate change.
LOOK BACK—2023: Significant flooding hits Halifax area for second time in weeks Residents in these zones aren't required to vacate their homes, however, new residential construction would be prohibited.
Watch the video above to learn more about the proposed changes and work being done for the most flood-prone areas around the Halifax municipality.