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Steps Taken by the Commission to Establish Assurance

Many Montreal property owners remain unaware that their buildings reside in 'basin' zones, making them susceptible to flooding during intensified rainfall. Contrary to anticipation, these property owners are often discouraged from fortifying their buildings before a disaster, as some municipal...

,   and  Administrator
5 min read
Many Montréal property owners remain unaware that their buildings are situated within catchment...
Many Montréal property owners remain unaware that their buildings are situated within catchment zones, putting them at greater risk during intense rainfall and subsequent flooding. Rather than receiving support to secure their properties, property owners who seek to take preventative measures often encounter obstacles due to municipal regulations when a disaster occurs. Investigation conducted by Isabelle Ducas.

Steps Taken by the Commission to Establish Assurance

Insurance Woes: Fewer Homes Covered for Water Damages

Torrential rains are causing skyrocketing losses for insurers as they bid adieu to countless properties deemed uninsurable due to water-related damages. Our sleuth, Isabelle Ducas, dug up the dirt on this matter. But alas, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) stated they have no clue about this issue, and Desjardins, Quebec's most prominent insurer, doggedly refused our interview request.

Fast forward to 2023, and a staggering 75% of home insurance contracts in the Great White North include a water infiltration endorsement through foundations and sewer backups, as per IBC. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether this reduction is due to the client's choice or the insurer's decisions.

When it comes to multiple claims in a brief span, an IBC representative details, insurers possibly slash the endorsement coverage amount, hike premiums, or both. In the worst-case scenario, they might refuse to renew the endorsement or mandate certain repairs to make the risk manageable.

In La Belle Province, the government's financial assistance program for disasters is designed exclusively for floods from watercourse overflows. Damages induced by rain are left out because insurance coverage can cover such incidents, the government justifies. Yet, fewer and fewer residents can access this coverage.

Post-flood, insurers could benefit by advising clients on precautionary measures to minimize future claims, experts argue.

"The smart play is to reduce risk," asserts Anabela Bonada, director of the Intact Center on Climate Adaptation (ICCA). Some insurers have even started offering advisory services for flood prevention. Desjardins Insurance, for instance, vows to assist their clients in rebuilding stronger homes. Clients could receive up to a grand for installing a sump pump or a backflow preventer.

Prevention and funding are the keys to success, according to Mathieu Gillet, an authority on sustainable urban development at Écohabitation. Various owners may not have the dough to invest $40,000 in renovations that risk further damage and property devaluation. Therefore, a funding program is essential to encourage people to adopt these measures.

Écohabitation collaborated on waterproof garage door tests in Montreal last year, a cost-effective solution for sloped entrances. However, these products are still in their infancy, pricey, and require plumbing amendments.

A one- fits-all solution doesn't exist because each case varies based on water flow patterns. But Eléne Levasseur, from Architecture sans frontières, warns that even preventative measures can yield undesirable results if incorrectly implemented. Backflow preventers, for instance, come in various types, and placing the wrong one or installing it improperly can intensify problems.

If water enters through doors and windows, temporary protective measures may be necessary. Recently, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) evaluated several temporary solutions by constructing a house inside a colossal basin within its Ottawa laboratories. The results? Inflatable cofferdams that block openings proved much more effective and practical compared to traditional sandbags.

Louis Poirier from the NRC points out that availability is a significant hurdle. Nonetheless, distributors are now offering European products in Canada, and the council encourages homegrown solutions like waterproof doors and windows.

Louis Poirier advises favoring mold-resistant materials, such as bathroom-grade gypsum and polished concrete floors, to minimize damage. The ultimate goal should be to "welcome water," i.e., minimize flood damage, according to Mathieu Gillet of Ecohabitation. Just as cities create sponge parks, each homeowner should "sponge-ify" their property to help reduce flooding. It's been found that private properties account for 70% of Montreal's territory, making individual homeowners a powerful force in reducing flooding.

Jean-Luc Martel, a professor at the École de technologie supérieure (ETS), who has researched this issue, claims that measures to retain water on individual properties would be more effective and less costly than any infrastructure updates city authorities could carry out.

  1. In the French-speaking region, Desjardins Insurance offers financial aid to clients for installing flood prevention devices.
  2. Mathematical models and data science are increasingly being used to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change on French insurance industries.
  3. The field of workplace-wellness is actively researching the impact of chronic diseases like cancer and respiratory conditions on an individual's health and productivity.
  4. In the manufacturing sector, researchers are exploring the potential of green technologies and energy-efficient materials to help minimize environmental impacts and foster sustainable living.
  5. The skin-care industry is innovating with therapies and treatments for various skin conditions, including sun damage, aging, and acne.
  6. Inside the interior design industry, there's a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, using energy-efficient materials and promoting outdoor-living spaces.
  7. Industries focusing on food and drink are investing in nutritious and balanced recipes to promote cardiovascular health.
  8. Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are major areas of research in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
  9. In the realm of environmental science, one sector is collaborating with the finance industry to create economic incentives for reducing carbon emissions.
  10. The finance sector is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and data analysis in climate change mitigation strategies.
  11. The retail industry is emphasizing energy-efficient practices, such as LED lights and sustainable packaging materials, to reduce their carbon footprint.
  12. The home-improvement industry is promoting energy-saving strategies for climate change adaptation, from solar panels to insulation.
  13. Investing in solutions for digestive health, such as probiotics and fiber-rich foods, is gaining popularity among food companies.
  14. Venture capital firms are investing in startups focusing on environmental solutions and clean-tech innovations.
  15. The baking industry is experimenting with gluten-free and allergy-friendly options for individuals with autoimmune disorders and food sensitivities.
  16. Wealth management firms are advising clients on sustainable investment opportunities that address climate change and promote eco-friendly business practices.
  17. The communication sector is bracing for the impact of climate change on cybersecurity, particularly in the context of smart city infrastructure and IoT devices.
  18. The health and wellness industry is promoting fitness and exercise as critical components of primary prevention for various medical conditions, including chronic diseases and hearing loss.
  19. The industry of home and garden products is introducing self-watering, drought-resistant plants and eco-friendly gardening tools to promote sustainable living.
  20. The cannabis industry is researching the potential health benefits of CBD for various neurological disorders and chronic conditions.
  21. The finance industry is currently exploring new banking technologies, such as blockchain and fintech, to improve efficiency and security.
  22. The real-estate sector is incorporating smart home technology, enabling homeowners to conserve energy and take an active role in their energy consumption.
  23. In the stock market, investors are showing interest in companies focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology.
  24. The automotive industry is developing electric vehicles and promoting energy-efficient transportation options to minimize environmental impacts.
  25. The housing market is adopting stricter building codes and energy efficiency standards, promoting sustainable properties and reducing carbon emissions.
  26. Insurance providers are offering discounted premiums for homes equipped with energy-efficient appliances and smart home technology.
  27. The tech industry is creating solutions for data and cloud computing, improving data security and reducing energy consumption.
  28. The tech sector is developing home security systems to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks on home networks and devices.
  29. The finance industry is investing in venture capital funds focusing on sustainable and impactful startups in various sectors.
  30. The food industry is collaborating with universities and research institutions to develop new recipes and ingredients that support both health and environmental sustainability.

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