FAQs

MODL’s flood risk map (link removed pending further review) displays two types of Flood Risk Areas across MODL: the Floodway that has a 5% chance of flooding each year and the Floodway Fringe that has a 1% chance of flooding each year. 

These areas have been identified on the Flood Risk map because they are at a low elevation and are adjacent to bodies of water, putting them at risk for future flooding events. The new Flood Risk regulations will regulate new development in these areas to prevent future flooding damages to resident property and municipal infrastructure.

MODL Floodplains Study refers to a 1 in 20-year flooding event and a 1 in 100-year flooding event. We have simplified these terms to make them more accessible for MODL’s residents. The 1 in 20-year flooding event is represented as the Floodway (5% risk of flooding each year) and the 1 in 100-year flooding event is represented by the Floodway Fringe (1% risk of flooding each year). You can find an infographic illustrating the difference between the Floodway and Floodway Fringe under the Flood Risk project on the MODL engage website.

Changing weather patterns, erosion, and new development may affect the extent of both the Floodway and Floodway Fringe over time.

To see if you live in an identified Flood Risk Area, please view the flood risk map (link removed pending further review). Approximately 15,600 MODL properties have been identified as being part of either the Floodway (5% risk of flooding each year) or Floodway Fringe (1% risk of flooding each year).

The MODL Floodplains Study (2021) used advanced LiDar and computer modelling to predict future Flood Risk Areas. The Flood Risk Areas were evaluated using the following information:

•    Storm events, including rainfall and seasonal weather characteristics

•    Topography, water level and flow measurements

•    Ice jam analysis

•    Current research on climate change impact scenarios

As a result of provincial requirements, MODL has a responsibility to regulate development in areas that are prone to flooding or are at risk of future flooding events to protect both people and infrastructure. MODL hired engineering consultants in partnership with the Municipality of Chester to conduct a study using current technology to create MODL’s Flood Risk map.

Municipalities across Canada are experiencing an increase in extreme weather events, often with heavy rainfall over a short period of time. Extreme weather can lead to flooding as the ground cannot absorb the high volume of rain fast enough. MODL’s Flood Risk map has helped identify areas that are at risk of flooding so that the municipality can better prepare for the future.

If your property is in an identified Flood Risk Area, the proposed Flood Risk regulations will only affect new development on your property. Existing structures (houses, garages, sheds, etc.) within a Flood Risk Area will not be affected by the new regulations. The only exception would be if a new addition to an existing structure extended into an identified Flood Risk Area.

MODL is asking for public feedback on three proposed options for Flood Risk regulations. The three options and a poll can be found here.

The new regulations will only apply to areas that have been identified as being within a Flood Risk Area. Standard zoning regulations will apply to the remainder of your property.

The new regulations will not apply to existing structures or uses in Flood Risk Areas. The regulations will only apply to new construction, additions, or infilling (with gravel, rocks, etc.) occurring on properties within a Flood Risk Area.

The MODL Floodplains Study (2021)  was conducted in partnership with the Municipality of Chester to identify Flood Risk Areas across the municipality. However, properties that are adjacent to Queens County in the western portion of MODL may not be mapped in their entirety. We are currently working on filling the gaps on the western portion of the map adjacent to Queens County.

There are three Flood Risk regulation options being considered by Council. These three options were created as part of land use planning requirements mandated by the Province of Nova Scotia. The options range from minimum to maximum flood protection and will only apply to new development once in place. Each option is listed below.

OPTION 1:

Activities Prohibited both in the Floodway Fringe (1%) AND Floodway (5%):

1. Building residential institutions (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes)
2. Storing hazardous materials (e.g., oil tanks)
3. Dumping fill (e.g., dirt, rock, gravel) unless for approved floodproofing measures
4. Building new structures without approved floodproofing measures in place

OPTION 2:

Activities Prohibited both in the Floodway Fringe (1%) AND Floodway (5%):

1. Building residential institutions (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes)
2. Storing hazardous materials (e.g., oil tanks)
3. Dumping fill (e.g., dirt, rock, gravel) unless for approved floodproofing measures
4. Building new structures without approved floodproofing measures in place
5. Residential uses below the floodproof elevation

OPTION 3:

Activities Prohibited in the Floodway Fringe (1%):

1. Building residential institutions (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes)
2. Storing hazardous materials (e.g., oil tanks)
3. Dumping fill (e.g., dirt, rock, gravel) unless for approved floodproofing measures
4. Building new structures without approved floodproofing measures in place
5. Residential uses below the floodproof elevation

Activities Prohibited in the Floodway (5%):

1. Any type of development (residential, institutional, etc.), unless it i1s for utilities or open space (e.g., parks).
2. Storing hazardous materials (e.g., oil tanks)
3. Dumping fill (e.g., dirt, rock, gravel) unless for approved floodproofing measures

It is expected that the final MODL2040 plan with the new Flood Risk regulations will come into effect by the end of 2023. The plan approval process will include public consultation, policy review, recommendations from the Planning Advisory Committee, and public feedback from the Flood Risk poll and information sessions. If approved by Council, the updated plan will also be reviewed by the provincial government to ensure it aligns with the Statements of Provincial Interest.

Currently, there are no restrictions on development within the Flood Risk Areas. Existing structures that are within identified Flood Risk Areas are considered nonconforming structures and will not be affected by the new Flood Risk regulations. These structures may be repaired, maintained, or expanded provided that the structure does not extend into a Flood Risk Area. The new Flood Risk regulations are expected to be implemented by the end of 2023.

MODL’s Flood Risk map was prepared by a professional engineering firm and was peer-reviewed to ensure accuracy. Therefore, areas that have been identified within the Flood Risk Area will not be exempt from the proposed regulations. Once the new Flood Risk regulations are in place, residents can conduct a hydrotechnical study with a designated professional to determine whether development on their property will be at risk of flooding, and what types of floodproofing measures must be in place if new development is to occur. 

The new Flood Risk regulations are expected to be in place by the end of 2023. Until the regulations are in effect, property owners in Flood Risk Areas without standard zoning can still build as they see fit. We recommend that residents view the flood risk map (link removed pending further review) to see if their property is within a Flood Risk Area.

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, it is estimated that every dollar invested in Flood Risk prevention saves up to $13 in flood damage repairs. Flood Risk regulations protect lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Building in a Flood Risk Area can result in costly damages to personal property and can put unnecessary strain on public funding when emergency clean up and reconstruction is required after a flooding event. MODL’s Flood Risk regulations are a proactive approach to mitigating Flood Risk that will reduce the financial burden on residents in the future.

We encourage residents to visit websites like FloodSmart Canada and the Lunenburg County REMO website for more information on how to prepare for future flooding events. Suggestions include: 

•    Storing valuables above ground (e.g., avoid storing valuables in a basement)

•    Installing watertight doors and windows

•    Elevating utilities off the floor

•    Infilling basements and installing flood openings

•    Floodproofing with sandbag dikes or temporary walls

Being properly insured builds both individual and community resilience to flooding. As a property owner or tenant, you should know what types of events or damages are covered by your homeowner, tenant, or commercial insurance policy. Visit this website from the 

Being properly insured builds individual and community resilience. In order to be properly insured, you should know what your homeowner, tenant, or commercial policy covers. Visit this website from the Government of Alberta for questions to ask your insurance provider.

There is no clear indication that loss of property value will result from disclosure of the floodplain map.

The Municipality does not regulate insurance costs or coverage. We recommend that residents contact their insurance provider to get updated insurance rates and to ask if their properties are covered for water damage caused by flooding events.

The province mandates that floodproofing standards be established through a report created by a qualified Professional Engineer and be submitted to the Municipality for review. A properly floodproofed structure must be able to withstand a flooding event associated with the Floodway (5% annual chance of flooding). 

Examples of floodproofing measures include:

• Applying waterproof coatings
• Replacing with water-resistant materials
• Sealing off all openings in Flood Risk Areas
• Anchoring the building
• Using basement as a ballast tank (purposeful sinking to relieve hydrostatic pressure)
• Raising the building on fill or foundation
• Placing of floodwalls and berms
• Relocating the building outside of risk areas

Yes, municipalities across Canada and around the world are facing the same challenges connected to flooding as MODL. All municipalities in Nova Scotia are required by the province to create and implement development regulations for Flood Risk Areas.

MODL is in the process of assessing the best ways to mitigate the effects of future floods by investigating potential funding sources and researching flood preparedness.

The MODL Floodplains Study (2021) focused on estimating potential flood levels after extreme rainfall events. Recommendations from the report included flood mitigation strategies such as protecting natural buffer areas and enhancing or restoring natural vegetation in Flood Risk Areas. The goal of these strategies is to increase the permeability of the ground and improve absorption of excess water to prevent flooding.

MODL is currently investigating options for flood mitigation in Flood Risk Areas. 

In the short term, residents can find ways to reduce their risk of flood damage by following the suggestions described at FloodSmart Canada and the Lunenburg County REMO websites. MODL is also asking the public for feedback on the three Flood Risk regulation options. The three options and a poll can be found here.

Once you are ready to provide feedback, you can view the Flood Risk regulation options and fill out the Flood Risk poll here. 

If you would like to learn more, please attend one of our virtual or in-person information sessions on the topic of Flood Risk. A list of sessions is available on the right side of your screen. If you have more questions, please contact our Planning team at (902) 530-2802. You can also visit the Municipal Services Building at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville to receive assistance during regular building hours. 

Please note that due to the high volume of calls, your call may take up to 5 business days to be returned.

On the right side of the screen there is a video tutorial that will guide you through the steps of finding your property using the Flood Risk map. If you would like more help with the map, you can visit the Municipal Services Building at 10 Allee Champlain Drive, Cookville during regular building hours for assistance.