Gallivan, Joseph V. "Towards a Provincial Policy Statement on Flood Damage Reduction in Nova Scotia"

Floodplain management involves the use of methods that are both structural (dams, dykes, river alterations) and nonstructural (land use controls, tax incentives, relocation plans) in nature. Structural solutions have traditionally dominated such management programs; however, research since the 1940s has continued to support land use management as the most likely approach for reducing flood hazards and losses, and since the mid-1970s a more balanced approach using both structural and nonstructural approaches has been generally applied.

Despite this trend, structural methods still predominate in Nova Scotia. Evidence shows that the provincial Department of the Environment, which has been given the central role in floodplain management in the Province, continues to construct dykes and alter river flows and contributes little support -- neither financial or consultative -- to the application of nonstructural solutions.

Through a review of the flooding problem and the history of management schemes in the Province, this study contends that there must be a greater use of land use planning to reduce flood damage in Nova Scotia. It is argued that by using Section 7 of the provincial Planning Act, a provincial policy statement on flood damage reduction can be prepared. A provincial policy statement will allow the Department of Municipal Affairs to play a more active role in the floodplain management process and thereby encourage a wide application of land use controls in floodplain management programs. This will benefit the many small flood prone communities in the Province which have adopted a Municipal Planning Strategy and are actively involved in planning, but lack the technical resources and expertise (which is available at the provincial level of government) to study floodplains.

A model provincial policy statement is also contained in the study.

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This document was last modified on January 24, 2001.