What line is it anyway? An appeal for policy coordination to support integrated floodplain management in Ontario

Author

Shawna Chambers, Western University

Date of Award

7-15-2024

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Geographical Areas

Ontario, Canada

Abstract

In response to a changing climate and increasing flood damage costs, safeguarding properties from flooding has become a government priority in Ontario and throughout the world. On one side, the floodplain limit is critical to establish as a regulated area that will restrict development, and therefore, limit the potential flood damage and cost to taxpayers. On the other side, an overestimated floodplain can unnecessarily sterilize land development potential, trigger lawsuits, and increase the cost of infrastructure. The research questions are: Why is there a lack of horizontal policy coordination at the provincial level in response to flood risk and climate change? Which policy tools can be leveraged to recognize investments in flood infrastructure and more accurately define floodplain limits? In response, this paper will review the challenges in Ontario with respect to the current floodplain management governance structure, summarize policy coordination theory to assess the challenges of establishing integrated floodplain policy, and lastly, recommend tools from policy integration and implementation theory to meet overarching provincial goals. This paper will argue that policy coordination is required to balance flood risk against uncertainty factors and that it would be beneficial for Ontario to establish an overarching multidisciplinary agency to oversee integrated floodplain management policy. This may include recognizing the benefits of structural flood controls, such as stormwater management facilities, as well as establishing a cost-risk-benefit framework to balance levels of service in response to climate change.

Recommended Citation

Chambers, Shawna, "What line is it anyway? An appeal for policy coordination to support integrated floodplain management in Ontario" (2024). MPA Major Research Papers. 260.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/260