Canadians will soon be able to look up the flood risk for their home with a simple online search, as the federal government prepares to launch a new interactive website this fall.The Department of Public Safety says the “flood risk awareness portal” will allow users to search their address and receive a rating ranging from low to extreme, based on national flood hazard data and multiple types of flooding. Blacklock's Reporter says the goal is to better inform homeowners while also phasing out blanket federal disaster aid for those who decline flood insurance.“A very small number of Canadians actually know the flood risk to their property,” the department said in a report, adding that the most requested information included flood maps, risk explanations, damage estimates and potential costs..The upcoming portal will also link to Canada’s existing flood map inventory, offering more detailed regional data where available, along with advice on how to reduce flood risk.One concerning finding from federal research was that 25% of Canadians believe the government will automatically protect them and their property during a major flood — a misconception the site hopes to correct.The Public Safety Department confirmed in a 2024 briefing note that the site will launch in fall 2025. Officials say it is meant as a public-facing screening tool, not a definitive risk assessment..The portal ties into broader federal plans to overhaul disaster response and insurance. A 2022 report from the federal Task Force on Flood Insurance proposed mandatory $900-per-year flood insurance for homeowners in high-risk areas to prevent costly taxpayer bailouts. The report said Canada’s current approach either leaves at-risk homeowners without coverage or forces public payouts after disasters.The department reaffirmed to the Senate national finance committee last November that a national flood insurance program remains a cabinet priority. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates about 10% of residential properties are at risk of overland flooding.
