Experts warn Canada is not ready for the surge in flash floods. Without immediate investment in planning and infrastructure, disaster risks could escalate.
Flash Flood Threat Rising, Experts Warn Canada Is Not Ready
As flash floods ravage parts of Texas, killing over 100 and leaving communities in ruins, Canadian climate experts are warning that Canada may be on the brink of its own crisis. Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, and experts say Canada is falling behind in preparing for this new climate reality.
Lack of Planning and Mapping Leaves Nation Exposed
Ryan Ness, Research Director for Adaptation at the Canadian Climate Institute, says Canada lacks the basic tools needed to manage flash flood risk — starting with floodplain mapping. “We can’t protect people if we don’t even know where the risk is,” Ness said. Without clear data, issuing warnings or building protective infrastructure becomes difficult or impossible.
Climate Change Driving New Weather Extremes
Experts say climate change is the primary driver behind the increased severity of flash floods across North America. While the Texas floods were triggered by more than 50 cm of rain in a short span, similar risks are emerging in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where torrential rain, often combined with wildfires or poor soil absorption, has already led to deadly events.
Canadian Cities Struggling to Keep Up
In Coquitlam, B.C., flash floods triggered by atmospheric rivers have already caused fatalities and millions in damage. The city has responded with detention ponds, diversion sewers, and a watershed management plan, but officials admit more needs to be done. Toronto, meanwhile, is undertaking a multi-billion-dollar sewer system upgrade — a process that will take years.
Building in Risk Zones Remains a Core Issue
Jason Thistlethwaite, an environment professor at the University of Waterloo, says limiting new development in high-risk areas should be Canada’s top priority. Yet, he points out, municipalities often have financial incentives to approve housing in flood zones, creating a dangerous conflict. “Development in these areas is the biggest threat — and the easiest to control,” he said.
A Few Cities Lead, But National Effort Still Missing
Some communities are taking initiative. Grand Forks, B.C., is using federal and provincial funding to buy out homeowners in flood-prone zones — a move experts say should be replicated nationwide. But according to Ness, real progress depends on stronger leadership and quicker investments. “We have the knowledge,” he said. “What we need now is political will and funding.”
Engineers Ready — But Time Is Running Out
Ness believes Canada still has time to prepare — but not much. He says flash floods are now a fixture of the climate system and will only worsen. “There are smart engineers and officials who know exactly what to do,” Ness said. “We just need to empower them and start the work. Because climate change won’t wait.”
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