The increase in weather events and the revision of flood zone maps by the Quebec government pose a growing challenge for many municipalities and property owners: understanding their real vulnerability to floods to better prepare for them.
Can-Explore leverages its expertise in hydraulics, geomatics, and asset management to offer strategic support in flood prevention, diagnostics, and risk management, whether related to river or rain flooding.
Why is this service essential today?
The Quebec government is about to release a new generation of flood zone maps, established by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). These maps will classify flood zones into four intensity levels and will more rigorously regulate permissible uses in these areas.
As a result, many properties previously considered outside risk zones will now face new restrictions, with direct impacts on their land value.
Additionally, the flood hazard maps provided by the government indicate the probability of events but do not assess the vulnerability of infrastructure or the value of exposed assets. Yet, it is the combination of hazard and territory vulnerability that allows risk estimation, which can also be monetarily assessed.
Next-generation Flood Maps
Table from the document Nouvelle génération de cartographies, des zones inondables et de mobilité des cours d’eau, Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, June 2024, page 2.
Our Approach
Can-Explore uses a unique set of skills and technologies to offer a comprehensive overview of the issues:
- In-depth diagnosis of flood causes (runoff, network overload, river overflow);
- Data cross-referencing: government maps, engineering reports, land value, claims history, aerial images, and field data collected by our surveyors and technicians (see our pages on 3D scanning, orthophotos, mobile mapping, or photogrammetry for more details);
- Monetary risk assessment for flood zone areas;
- Impact analysis on accessibility, continuity of use, and building exploitation;
- Personalized recommendations, based on recognized methodologies, including those from Architecture Without Borders Quebec, and including mitigation measures.
Characterization of Flood Protection Infrastructure (FPI)
Can-Explore assists municipalities in the official management and regulatory recognition of their flood protection infrastructure (FPI)—whether levees, flood walls, or other structures intended to reduce flood risks.
Why Take Responsibility for FPI
When a municipality requests the Environment Minister’s responsibility for an FPI under Section 46.0.13 of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA), the hazard intensity can be reduced to “low” in the FPI protection zone under the Regulation on the Management of Municipal Activities Conducted in Aquatic Environments and on Flood Protection Works.
In other words, when a municipality takes responsibility for an FPI, the area remains mapped as flood-prone but shifts to a low-intensity zone, allowing activities otherwise prohibited:
FPI of a Municipality Not Declared Responsible Under the EQA
Figure 6.1. Hazard intensity matrix for flooding in the presence of a PMI of a municipality not declared responsible under the EQA. From the Guide méthodologique applicable à l’établissement des zones inondables et de mobilité (Projet), Technical and Scientific Section, Government of Quebec, 2024, page 199.
FPI of a Municipality Declared Responsible Under the EQA
Figure 6.2. Flood hazard intensity matrix in the presence of an OPI of a municipality declared responsible under the EQA. From the Guide méthodologique applicable à l’établissement des zones inondables et de mobilité (Projet), Technical and Scientific Section, Government of Quebec, 2024, page 199.
By taking responsibility for the FPI, this means:
- More leeway for owners in flood zones;
- Existing residences and buildings that retain their land value;
- Greater sustainability of at-risk neighborhoods, where citizens can continue to live with peace of mind.
Mandatory Studies for FPI Recognition by a Municipality
To reduce hazard intensity in the presence of an FPI, its performance must be demonstrated. This recognition involves conducting three studies:
- Characterization Study (conducted by Can-Explore):
Under the Regulation on Flood Protection Works, all FPIs must be characterized, even if the municipality does not wish to assume responsibility, as per Section 46.0.13 of the Environmental Quality Act. This study requires:
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- An inventory of infrastructure components and determination of exposed areas;
- Requires the signature of an engineer who is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec;
- Accompanied by a technical description prepared by a land surveyor who is a member of the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Géomètres du Québec;
- To be renewed every 10 years.
- Performance Study (conducted by Can-Explore):
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- Functional analysis of FPI components;
- Assessment of encroachments;
- Development of an operational and maintenance manual;
- Includes the characterization study;
- Signed by an engineer member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
- A specific civil security plan must be produced to complete the application.
Flood Risk Management Plan – RCM
Still according to the new framework of the Règlement sur l’encadrement d’activités sous la responsabilité des municipalités réalisées dans des milieux hydriques et sur des ouvrages de protection contre les inondations, RCMs can now develop a flood risk management plan, opening the door to activities usually prohibited in flood zones. These plans are essential for:
- The establishment or reconstruction of residential buildings in a moderate-class flood zone;
- The change in building use to residential in high or moderate-class flood zones;
- The construction of housing in flood-risk zones.
How We Can Assist You
Can-Explore offers preliminary expertise to support planning and compliance with these processes, including:
- Determining flood-related risks;
- Characterizing flood hazard;
- Assessing the vulnerability of infrastructure and human activities.
A Personalized Strategic Service for All Concerned Parties
Every territory, building, and situation is unique. Our multidisciplinary team—engineers, land surveyors, civil engineering technicians—works together to offer tailored solutions to all parties affected by flooding. We provide thorough, transparent support based on concrete data, perfectly aligned with regulatory requirements and the specific challenges of each environment.
River Floods
Municipalities & RCMs:
Support in understanding the territory, risk assessment, and investment prioritization.
Rain Floods
Property Owners and Real Estate Developers:
Prevention, diagnosis, and tailored solutions for asset protection.
Lawyers and Legal Experts:
Technical support for legal proceedings.
Insurers:
Analysis of liability chain, risk modeling.
Standards, Reports, and Additional Documentation
Additional Documentation - Useful Links and Downloads
Request a Quote: Flood Consulting Engineering
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