Halifax looking to limit development in flood-prone area of Bedford

A Bedford, N.S., area prone to flooding could be off limits to builders.

A section of Bedford, N.S., could soon be off limits to builders.

City hall is looking to restrict construction in an area prone to flooding in the Halifax suburb.

Several homes were destroyed when the Sackville River overflowed its banks two years ago.

On Tuesday, councillors unanimously passed first reading of a motion that essentially follows the Nova Scotia government’s lead on protecting public safety, property and infrastructure.

Measures are aimed at ensuring future development does not impact river flows.

Union Street in Bedford was an area of particular concern in the July 2023 flood, but the Sackville River and Little Sackville River travel through several communities in the municipality.

The Statement of Provincial Interest prohibits or regulates development on land subject to flooding.

The municipality approach could see development if a hydrotechnical study supports it.

Structures such as hospitals or motels – which would be difficult to evacuate – would not be permitted. Any structures that would emit hazardous materials such as gasoline or oil into floodwaters would also not be permitted.

There will be restrictions in one-in-20-year floodways and one-in-100-year flood fringes.

Jean St-Amand, councillor for Bedford-Wentworth, says there is a lot of consideration for people living in the floodplain, the area immediately next to the river.

“One of the real challenges is that businesses and residences that are along that area continue to struggle with insurance rates,” he tells CTV News. “And trying to ensure that they’ve got property values that are sustainable for the long term. I mean, a home or a business is a significant investment. And so, they’re just going to be continuing to be challenged by this, if we don’t make the right decisions now.”

St-Amand had requested an update from staff Tuesday on the municipal ask – from the prior council – to the province to buy back some homes that were flooded back in 2023.

Staff said they haven’t heard anything back yet, and St-Amand was disappointed there was no news Tuesday.

The next step for this motion will include a public hearing at a later date.

But St-Amand says this type of protective measure will likely be adopted to other areas of the municipality in the future.

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