Spring flooding in Ontario and Quebec caused more than $223 million in insured damage

"Climate change is causing severe weather events, especially storms involving floods, to happen more frequently and with greater intensity. While the insured damage from the spring floods is significant, the total cost to homeowners and government is not yet known," said Craig Stewart, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, IBC. "Flooding coupled with windstorms can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time. Recent events, like Hurricane Harvey in the United States, show how unprepared we are and why it is so important for governments, industry, and consumers to work together to protect residents and communities. Therefore, we applaud federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale's leadership in hosting a Ministerial Round Table on Flood Risk this November in Regina."

April 5 – 7 Ontario-Quebec Storms

From April 5 to 7, a pair of low-pressure systems led to major flooding in southern Quebec and wind damage across parts of Ontario and Quebec. Roads, homes, and businesses were flooded in Quebec as rivers overflowed and sewers backed up. Following the heavy rains, strong wind gusts downed trees and power lines across many areas of both provinces. This system caused over $106 million in insured damage.

May 5 – 7 Flooding Event

Multiple days of significant rainfall led to significant flooding across parts of Eastern Canada with the majority of damage occurring in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The heaviest rainfall occurred on May 5th and 6th, with some areas recording up to 155 mm of rain. There were numerous states of emergency declared in Southern Quebec, and Eastern Ontario with thousands of residences affected and people evacuated from their homes. This system caused nearly $117 million in insured damage.

For more information on how to protect property against floods and other disasters please visit IBC's website.