New Brunswick municipalities urged to curb development due to potential flooding

New guidelines for the Province of New Brunswick are in the works following this spring’s devastating flooding.

A climate specialist told Saint John Common Council this week that it’s time for municipalities to adopt responsible policies.

Robert Capozi is an adaptation specialist with the New Brunswick Climate Change Secretariat.

READ MORE: New Brunswick confirms errors were made in registering flood-impacted residents for inspections

During his presentation to council, he said the province plans to highlight areas where development should be restricted due to flood potential.

Capozi is encouraging municipalities to adopt a similar strategy.

Coun. David Merrithew agrees.

“These one in 100 storms are coming far more frequently and if we aren’t diligent as to where you can develop, we’ll only end up picking up the bill,” he said.

“When I say the bill, that’s you and I paying for it, as we’ll end up picking up the bill later.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "When I say the bill, that's you and I paying for it, as we'll end up picking up the bill later."

The City of Saint John has already spent over $1 million on response and recovery costs from the spring flooding.

Graeme Stewart-Robertson is the executive director with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program in Saint John.

WATCH: Lakeville Corner residents forced to use ferry service due to flood-damaged bridges

2:02 Lakeville Corner residents forced to use ferry service due to flood-damaged bridges

He thinks development along the water can still happen, but with a different approach.

“It’s about doing it responsibly, finding a proper way of building, or a proper setback for building that will allow you to not only enjoy your waterfront property but be safe, secure and ensure a resilient home and community for decades and hopefully a century or more to come,” he says.

New Brunswick municipalities are required to finalize vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans by 2020.

Toll-free line for flood damage shuts June 29

The province announced on Tuesday that it will close its toll-free line for registering flood damage.

So far, more than 2,800 New Brunswickers have registered for the disaster financial assistance in the wake of the flooding.

The province says that health-and-safety inspectors have completed 2,182 inspections and that there are 33 left to do.

New Brunswick is urging citizens to register flood damage by calling 1-888-298-8555.