Apr 7, 2026
Most Canadians say they’re not concerned about flooding, even as the risk remains widespread and, in many areas, growing.
A new survey from Intact Financial Corporation, released this week, found that 62% of Canadians are not concerned about experiencing flooding in their home or community, despite the growing risk. That disconnect comes as flooding remains the country’s most frequent and costly natural disaster, particularly during the spring thaw.
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"We understand it's hard to worry about flooding when life is already busy, and many people don't think it will happen to them”, said Mel Wright, Vice President of Intact, in a statement.
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“But with so many major Canadian cities in or near floodplains, a little preparation can go a long way. Simple steps like clearing gutters or testing your sump pump can help protect what matters most.”
A risk hiding in plain sight
According to the release, 80% of major Canadian cities are built partly on or near floodplains, putting a large share of households at potential risk. And while major floods tend to grab attention, a lot of damage happens in more routine situations — spring melt, heavy rain or blocked drainage that leads to water pooling around foundations.
That makes flooding less of a rare disaster and more of a recurring risk that can affect homeowners in different ways, depending on where they live and how well their property is maintained.
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Small fixes can go a long way — but many still delay
One of the clearer takeaways from the data is that prevention doesn’t necessarily have to be complex.
Basic maintenance, such as clearing gutters and downspouts, making sure water drains away from the home, or checking that a sump pump is working properly, can significantly reduce the chance of damage. These aren’t major upgrades, but they’re often the kinds of tasks that get pushed aside until there’s a problem.
Even when people are aware of the risk, following through can be another matter. About 20% of Canadians say finding reliable contractors is a barrier to taking steps to protect their home from extreme weather.
With spring melt and seasonal rainfall already underway in many parts of the country, the findings point to a simple reality: flooding risk is more common than many homeowners assume, and often comes down to everyday vulnerabilities that go unchecked.
As weather patterns become less predictable, that gap between perceived risk and actual exposure is becoming harder to ignore, especially when a few small fixes can make a meaningful difference.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
