Moncton, New Brunswick: Flooding Crisis

Moncton, New Brunswick, has experienced flooding in the past, with heavy rains causing flash floods that can damage homes and put residents at risk. The city has implemented measures to mitigate flooding, including reworking the sewer system and adding water-holding ponds. While most flooding issues have been addressed, residents in flood-prone neighbourhoods continue to express concerns and suggest buyouts as a potential solution. Climate change is expected to exacerbate flooding in the area, and adapting to the changing environment is crucial for the community's resilience and safety.

Moncton's sewer system and river have caused flooding in the past

Moncton, New Brunswick, has experienced flooding in the past, with the Petitcodiac River and the city's sewer system identified as sources of the issue. The river, which runs through the city, has been described as "muddy and tidal," and its tributaries were impacted by the Saxby Gale of 1869, which caused extensive property damage and led to a significant rise in water levels.

The sewer system in Moncton has also contributed to flooding events. In 2019, the city approved a plan to rebuild the sewer system and add water-holding ponds in flood-prone areas, namely the Lewisville and east end neighbourhoods. This decision came after residents expressed frustration and called for more effective measures to address recurring flooding. One resident, Roland Gauvin of Stafford Street, shared that his home had flooded numerous times, especially in the previous decade.

The city's plan included separating sanitary and stormwater pipes to prevent overloading the sewer lines during floods. This separation measure aimed to direct floodwater into detention ponds until the water level of the Petitcodiac River dropped. The $12 million project was chosen over more expensive options, including buying out property owners in the affected areas, which was estimated to cost $19 million.

Moncton has taken steps to mitigate flooding risks by investing in stormwater management. Between 2004 and 2019, the city spent approximately $70 million to install larger culverts, separate sewer and stormwater lines, and construct ponds to hold stormwater. These efforts proved effective during Hurricane Dorian, which hit the region in September 2019. While Dorian caused flooding in basements and on streets, the impact was less severe compared to previous storms in 1999 and 2009, which resulted in a higher number of flooded basements.

The city's ongoing efforts to address flooding issues and the implementation of stormwater management strategies demonstrate a commitment to reducing the risk of future flooding events in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Heavy rains can cause flash floods that damage homes

Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it, resulting in a rapid overflow of water onto normally dry land. This can happen within minutes of the causative rainfall, giving limited time to warn and protect those in the affected area. The risk of flash floods is higher in densely populated areas, as the construction of buildings and paved surfaces reduces the amount of rain absorbed by the ground, increasing runoff.

The impact of flash floods can be devastating, with the potential to roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges. They are known to cause soil erosion and deposit large quantities of sediments, affecting vegetation and agricultural land. Flash floods can also be life-threatening, with most flood-related deaths attributed to flash floods. The fast-moving water can reach heights of 30 feet or more, knocking people off their feet and carrying away vehicles.

To minimize the impact of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding, homeowners can take several precautions. These include sealing basement windows and ground-level door bases with weather protection sealant, directing downspouts away from the residence, and grading the land around the home to slope away from the foundation. Additionally, it is crucial to safeguard electrical equipment and remove important items and toxic substances from areas that may be flooded.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, residents of Moncton can better protect their homes and themselves from the damaging effects of flash floods caused by heavy rains.

Moncton has implemented flood fixes

Moncton has implemented a variety of flood fixes to address the issue of flooding in the city. Here are some of the key measures that have been taken:

The city has opted to rework the sewer system and add water-holding ponds to reduce flooding risks. The plan includes rebuilding the sewer system around neighbourhoods, separating sanitary and stormwater lines to prevent overloading the sewer lines during floods, and constructing water detention ponds to hold floodwaters until the nearby Petitcodiac River's water level drops. This plan is expected to cost $12 million and protect against floods that reach eight meters above sea level, which already occur annually.

Moncton has also invested significant funds in flood risk reduction measures. Over the last 15 years, the city has spent about $70 million to install larger culverts, separate sewer and stormwater lines, and build ponds to hold stormwater. These investments have shown positive results, as evidenced by the reduced number of flooded basements during Hurricane Dorian compared to previous storms.

In 2016, the city spent millions of dollars along Jonathan Creek downstream of Jones Lake, including installing a larger culvert under the rail line. This was done to address flooding issues caused by smaller culverts along the creek.

The city has also taken steps to address flooding in Westbrook Circle by replacing culverts under Berry Mills Road near the Wheeler Boulevard interchange. These changes have helped reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

Additionally, Moncton is building another detention pond in the Lewisville area off Wynwood Drive to mitigate flood risks in that portion of the city. This pond is one of three in the area, with the others built in response to previous tropical storms.

While some residents have called for the city to consider buyouts in flood-prone neighbourhoods, the city has opted for less expensive options to address the issue. However, the city is still working to address the concerns of residents and find effective solutions to reduce flooding risks.

Moncton's flood mitigation plans have been criticised by residents

Moncton, New Brunswick, has been facing issues with flooding, and residents have criticised the city's flood mitigation plans. The city council has approved a plan to rebuild the sewer system and add two water-holding ponds, but some residents are calling for buyouts of properties in flood-prone areas.

The approved plan, with an expected cost of $12 million, has caused frustration among residents of low-lying neighbourhoods in Moncton. They argue that the plan does not adequately address the risks of flooding and have called on the municipality to consider buying out property owners in these areas. Roland Gauvin, a resident of Stafford Street, expressed concern about the effectiveness of the plan in protecting homes and suggested that buying up the 97 residential properties to restore the area to its natural state would be a better solution.

The city's director of environmental planning and management, Elaine Aucoin, explained that buyouts are typically done with help from other levels of government and can be challenging due to varying opinions within the community. Some residents, like Gilles Breau, who lives in the east end of Moncton, were surprised to learn that the plan would not remove the flood zone designation, making it difficult to sell properties.

In response to the criticism, Alcide Richard, the city's director of design and construction, assured residents that he would take their concerns back to the city hall. The full report on the flooding issue in Moncton, prepared by Crandall Engineering Ltd., is yet to be released, and it remains to be seen if the city will reconsider its approach to flood mitigation in light of resident feedback.

In 2014, Moncton residents who suffered severe damage from flooding demanded action from the city council. They attributed the flooding to poor infrastructure and called for flood prevention to be made a priority. Coun. Daniel Bourgeois supported these sentiments, acknowledging that better infrastructure could have prevented the flooding.

Moncton's Jonathan Creek has been known to flood

Moncton, New Brunswick, is susceptible to flooding, and Moncton's Jonathan Creek has been known to flood. The creek's watershed area is around 50 square kilometres, and the majority of it flows through the city of Moncton, eventually joining Jones Lake. Jonathan Creek is a tributary of the Petitcodiac River. Due to its proximity to commercial and residential areas, water runoff and bank erosion have impacted the condition of the creek.

In 2003, the city of Moncton pleaded guilty to environmental charges regarding leachate from an out-of-service landfill found in Jonathan Creek. This incident highlights the environmental challenges faced by the city in managing the creek and mitigating its impact on the surrounding areas.

The city of Moncton has faced challenges in addressing flooding risks, particularly in low-lying neighbourhoods. Residents have expressed frustration over the city's plans to reduce flooding and have called for alternative solutions, such as buying out property owners in flood-prone areas. However, the city opted for a less expensive option of reworking the sewer system and adding water-holding ponds.

Moncton's centuries-old dikes play a crucial role in holding back the waters, and fixes are currently underway at Jonathan Creek to enhance flood protection. While the city works to address flooding concerns, residents in flood-prone areas continue to face the challenges and risks associated with living in these vulnerable neighbourhoods.

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