Recommendation Any changes…

Recommendation

Any changes to the power, governance and funding models of conservation authorities should serve to strengthen, not weaken, their ability to prevent residential or commercial development in flood plains or other areas at risk of flooding.

The equation is straightforward. Higher claims costs equal higher insurance rates. If development occurs on flood plains or flood zones, property is more likely to be damaged. If wetlands and other natural features are paved over with impermeable surfaces, runoff will increase in place of natural infiltration in the watershed. As more intense rainstorms and snowmelt are experienced, more flooding is likely to occur in urban areas, which will lead to more damage, more claims and higher insurance rates.

Please see attached submission for more detailed background and rationale for this recommendation.