Alberta creates new safety rules for possible future floods

In the hopes of preventing future flood disasters, the province of Alberta has created new flood-mapping standards for high-risk areas.

According to CBC, the new rules categorize areas as being “floodway,” which are closest to water sources, and “flood fringe,” which are further away but still at risk.

Homeowners living in the floodway zones have the choice to rebuild, repair or leave. If they choose to stay however, they will not be eligible for future Disaster Recovery Fund assistance. The province will assist them if they choose to leave and relocate.

Floodway homes will also be marked so future homeowners know the risks, and legislative changes will be made so that development cannot take place in floodway zones.

Homeowners in the flood fringe zones must flood-proof their homes to be eligible for future Disaster Recovery Fund assistance.

While High River, Alberta has been mapped so far, the province will be working with other municipalities in the coming weeks to implement similar mapping methods.

Flickr Photo by: Government of Alberta

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER