The former head of a flood mitigation commission in the western Canadian province of Alberta says new development should not have been allowed to spring up in the flood zones.
George Groeneveld, who chaired the flood mitigation committee and report, after floods in 2005, told CBC News: “The one thing they could have done … they should have stopped building some housing and buildings on the flood plains. And that was a strong part of that report.”
The 2006 Provincial Flood Mitigation Report, which was just released last year, recommended a cessation of the sale of Crown lands in known flood risk areas.
“Selling lands in flood risk areas is the opposite of flood mitigation,” the report stated. “The province loses its say in the use of these lands and any protective measures would need to be taken through cumbersome mechanisms such as legislation or regulations.
With the demand high to live in scenic areas, along with a new source of tax revenue from properties, Groeneveld said he understands the pressure on the municipalities to sell.
More information:
CBC News – 2006 flood report called for the end of land sales in known flood risk areas – here
2006 Provincial Flood Mitigation Report (pdf) – here
CBC News – Calgary floods: What you need to know now – here
Calgary Herald – Blogs on the floods – here
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.