Floods in New Brunswick aren’t unusual because of all the beautiful waterways, rivers, lakes, and coastal proximity. When purchasing property in New Brunswick, Canada, it’s important to be aware of potential flood risks and the associated implications.
Don’t let floods in New Brunswick scare you away from experiencing the natural beauty this province has to offer! There are several ways to navigate flood history on a property you’re interested in buying.
Or better yet, identify property locations outside of areas that are at the most risk of flooding. The links and resources in this blog post will show you how.
Understand the Floodplain
Before purchasing a property, familiarize yourself with the floodplain maps and designated flood zones in the area. This information is typically available through local government websites or flood risk assessment agencies. Understanding the floodplain can give you valuable insights into the level of risk associated with the property.
New Brunswick Flood Maps & Helpful Links:
- New Brunswick Flood Hazard Maps – read the information, click “I agree,” then click “ok” to go to the map.
- New Brunswick Flood Map Index – a useful tool that shows red rectangles overlayed on an NB map. The only downside is the towns and cities aren’t labelled on the overlay. However, if you click any of the red rectangles, additional information becomes available, including general location, reports, maps, and more. If you need help determining if a property falls within one of the rectangles, feel free to reach out.
- Floodproofing (PDF) – a resource that outlines protecting your home and contents against flooding.
- River Watch – The Saint John River, Eastern Canada’s longest river, is prone to flooding in the spring. Check out River Watch for flood forecasting.
- Flood History Database – If you love to dig into the data, check out the Flood History Database.
Major Floods in New Brunswick History
While certain areas of NB are prone to seasonal flooding, there were a few noteworthy floods in New Brunswick in the last 20 years that made headlines!
2008
- Record-breaking snowfalls, a late spring thaw and heavy rains combined with warm weather caused water levels to rise rapidly along the Saint John River. More details can be found in this news report. The report also outlines floods from 1923, 1934, 1936, and 1973, and now they compare to the floods in 2018.
2018
- When accumulated snow started to melt rapidly (among other contributing factors), parts of New Brunswick saw some of the worst flooding in their recent history. Some of those areas included Maugerville, Jemseg, Fredericton, Sheffield, Belleisle and Quispamisis.
- Image gallery: CTV: New Brunswick Copes With Major Flooding
- Full flood details, including affected places, causes, and timeline, can be found in this detailed report.
3 Recommendations For Home Buyers to Consider
Evaluate Flood Insurance Options
Investigate the availability and cost of flood insurance for properties within flood-prone areas. Consult with insurance providers to understand the coverage options, exclusions, and associated premiums. This will help you assess the financial impact of potential flood damage and make informed decisions about protecting your investment.
Flood Risk Property Disclosures
When exploring properties, inquire about any flood risk disclosures provided by the seller or real estate agent. These disclosures may contain valuable information about previous flood events, property-specific flood risks, or any existing flood mitigation measures implemented on the property.
Beware of Skipping A Home Inspection
While you are unlikely to find a home inspector that professes to be an expert in flooding, a good local inspector will know the area and have a good sense of the flood risk, and they are great at spotting previous damage and mitigation efforts. This step is typically done after you have an accepted offer to purchase the property (contingent on the condition that the home inspection doesn’t result in any unfavourable surprises). A qualified home inspector can help identify potential vulnerabilities, such as inadequate drainage systems or signs of previous flood damage. Their insights can assist you in making an informed decision about the property’s condition, potential flood risk and save you a lot of unnecessary headaches in the future.
Seek Professional Guidance
Consulting with a reputable real estate agent or a real estate lawyer who is knowledgeable about local flood risk considerations is crucial – you want someone who knows the area (and knows it well) to be on your side. They can guide you through the purchasing process (including locations that would be best suited to your comfort level around flood risk), provide valuable advice (including discussing information in the property disclosure statement – the document that brings light to any knowledge the current owner has about the property including a history of flooding), and help ensure that all necessary flood-related aspects are addressed.
Here To Help
Purchasing property in New Brunswick, Canada, offers numerous opportunities, but being aware of potential flood risks is essential, and that’s just one of the things I’m here to help with. Don’t go in alone if an area is new to you. Reach out and let’s make sure you have the information you need to make the best choice for you and your family.
Not sure I can help with the area of New Brunswick you’re interested in? Not to worry – I can connect you with a real estate agent who’s a local expert for the region you’re interested including areas throughout The Maritimes, Ontario, and Quebec. Get in touch to find out who the local experts are.
