Canada is no stranger to flooding and extreme weather. Even though it’s officially spring, a recent Colorado low system brought a messy week to much of central and eastern Canada, leaving hundreds of thousands in Quebec and Ontario without power after ice storms hit.
While winter’s clutches may still hold firm in some Canadian regions, don’t be fooled; flooding season approaches quickly and without much warning for businesses, residents, and facility maintenance managers.
Canada’s Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation states that several million people in Canada are vulnerable to flooding. Overall, flooding has accounted for 40 per cent of weather-related catastrophes in Canada since 1970, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
As a result of climate change, extreme weather is on the rise. In the March 28 federal budget, the government announced new initiatives and a new approach to address the gaps in natural disaster protection and insurance. This is something businesses and organizations, including the Insurance Bureau of Canada, have been clamouring for over the years, with increased intensity.
Spring melt survey
A recent spring melt survey examined Canadians’ concerns, perceptions, and property readiness amid ever-changing weather patterns. It found that fears of flooding and mould are top worries keeping Canadians up at night. Overall, three-in-five people are worried about the damage caused by severe rains and flooding (58 per cent).
As we take a closer look, regional flooding concerns are highest in British Columbia (73 per cent) which endured the historic Pacific Northwest floods in 2021. That disaster saw several communities overwhelmed by rain, rising rivers, road closures, and evacuations. Atlantic Canada, still reeling from Hurricane Fiona, was the second most worried region regarding damage caused by severe rains and flooding (65 per cent). Rounding out the regions were Ontario (58 per cent), Quebec (54 per cent), Alberta (48 per cent), and Manitoba/Saskatchewan (46 per cent).
The survey also asked about disaster-related concerns, and three-quarters of people expressed that they are concerned about the risk of mould after a flooding event, and 24 per cent said their workplace or home has already been affected by mould.
Meanwhile, about one-third of respondents (34 per cent) said the air quality of their workplace is regularly monitored, while about two-thirds (67 per cent) know the places to check for signs of mould in their home or workplace.
Finally, the survey touched on the importance of disaster preparedness. Four-in-five respondents feel all workplaces should have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, while only two in five are aware that their workplace has such a plan.
One of the biggest threats to facilities is flooding and water damage. In the spring, when the ground is still frozen, thawing snow and heavy rainfall heighten the risk of water damage to many commercial properties.
Approach to properties and flooding
Leading into the spring melting season, business properties are hit hardest by flooding in the lower levels of buildings where water seeps in through cracks in the foundation that may have developed over the winter. With excess water flowing through sewers and drains, flooding is also a risk from sewer back-ups. Heavy precipitation can result in leaks indoors from the roof while melting ice and snow can create water accumulation in areas above and below ground.
The excess water and moisture caused by spring showers and melting snow can also lead to another hazard – mould growth – especially in dark spaces that are unable to dry naturally. For commercial properties, it is important to be aware of the environmental triggers that feed mould growth. On properties where water damage from spring flooding has occurred, mould growth poses a severe threat to the health and safety of the residents or occupants.
Disaster-preparedness planning
The risk of heavy rainfall during many seasons is a cause for concern and is a constant driver for facility maintenance managers to be more resilient and better prepared for tomorrow. To that end, managers can be central in business continuity and disaster planning to mitigate possible damage, work stoppage, and repair expenses.
RELATED: Plan ahead to protect against flood damage
Today, there is an increased appetite for disaster-preparedness planning from businesses. More organizations are exploring and inquiring about business continuity planning, including flood preparation and response. This is a trend that needs to continue. Strategically partnering with response providers is key in minimizing downtime for any organization.
Jim Mandeville is SVP, Large Loss for First Onsite Property Restoration. He has been onsite mitigating floods and disasters for businesses and homeowners at several catastrophic events in Canada, including Hurricane Fiona, the 2021 BC floods, and the 2018 GTA flood.
