Moncton residents asking for compensation after years of flood damage

WATCH: Moncton residents want compensation for regular flood damage to their homes. Global’s Brion Robinson looks at why flooding is a problem.

MONCTON – People living in the city of Moncton’s Westbrook Circle say they should be compensated for flood damage.

Residents have been dealing with rising water from a nearby stream for years. Edgar Poirier’s basement flooded in December 2014.

“It started about 9:30 or 10 o’clock at night and at five o’clock in the morning there was 20 inches of water in the basement,” he said.

Poirier said a lot of people don’t have insurance because they can’t afford the high premiums that come with living in a flood zone.

“Compensation would be nice to have,” he said. “It would at least show to us that they’re trying to help.”

The city blames part of the problem on outdated culverts that are backing up the water flow, and says there are plans to fix the problem.

But the work could take years to complete.

“We’re still very hopeful and we’re still thinking there’s some construction that would start later in the fall,” said Alcide Richard, Director of Design and Construction at the city’s Department of Engineering and Environmental Services.

That’s left residents worried about what could happen if flooding gets worse.

“If it happens every year in the next four years or before they get everything done how many times can I fix my house,” said Allan Lutes. “I can’t afford to do that anymore.”

A city spokesperson says residents can apply for aid under the province’s disaster relief program.

In the meantime, Richard says residents need to make extra efforts to protect their homes.

“I would urge people to try and protect themselves the best they can with properly function backwater valves,” he said.