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Government to seek input on flood risk policy Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced today that the department is developing a land-use policy for flood risk areas. The policy aims to prevent or limit further development in flood plains. "In recent years, this province has seen flooding damage on a wide-scale. In 2003, residents of Badger and parts of the west coast had to clean up following flooding in those areas, and St. John�s had serious flooding in 2001 as a result of hurricane Gabrielle," said Minister Byrne. "In total, the provincial government, in conjunction with federal government, have identified and mapped 32 municipalities, four local service districts, six unincorporated communities and an uninhabited area of the Trans Canada Highway which are prone to flood risk. There are also places which have not been formally mapped that have experienced localized flooding." This policy will limit new building and land uses in areas which are at high risk. It will also stipulate that, in lower-risk areas, precautions will have to be taken to minimize the risk from flooding. The policy also ensures that any development, which may be suitable, within flood risk areas will not impede water flows or exacerbate flood risk elsewhere. To date, municipalities, which are prone to flooding and which have been mapped, have had the opportunity to provide input into the flood risk policy. Public input is also required so that all concerns are addressed. The policy, along with maps, is available at all regional offices of the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, or on the Web site at: //www.gov.nl.ca/mpa/floodrisk/ Comments can be forwarded to: Comments can also be e-mailed to: sclinton@gov.nl.ca , faxed to (709) 729-0477, or by phone at (709) 729-3090. "Floods can cause significant damage and can certainly be a threat to human life," said Minister Byrne. "Very often when floods occur, government is called on to provide emergency assistance whether it be clean-up, remediation or compensation. This flood risk policy aims to reduce the risk altogether in order to protect properties, livelihoods and public safety. It will also help reduce the requirements for flood defences and flood damage remediation. All in all, our first priority must be to protect the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Removing or lowering the risk for future flood damage is the best way to achieve this goal." Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 682-6593 2005 02 07
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