Fredericton Seeks Better Flood Protection This Spring

Although flooding has been an annual sign of Spring for decades in Fredericton, the past two years have been particularly devastating.

In response to the recent flood years, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in August of 2019 Fredericton would receive $11.4 million in federal funding to help protect against the flooding. 

The grant is intended to aid Fredericton in keeping key transportation systems and municipal infrastructures open, as well as expanding wetland areas.

Several other provincial government-funded organizations are available to aid residents suffering from property damage in the Fredericton area as well.

 

An apartment owner in Fredericton’s downtown, Quentin Palmer has been lucky the past flood seasons.

“I’m not affected personally, but things that I use and take for granted certainly are such as roads, business’s and other services,” Palmer said.

“Is it really the city’s fault that flooding happens and people get affected? If it’s within the city’s ability to just fix everything then they would, but there’s only so much that can be done and so much help that can be lent,” Palmer said.

Another Frederictonian and apartment owner, Bradley Nicholson, has been on the floods good side as well.

“Thankfully I’m not personally affected by the flooding just by luck; however many of my friends nearby have basement floods every year,”  

The flooding in Fredericton also causes many important roads to be closed off, which creates clustered traffic as a result.

“I don’t think you can help the roads closing much as it’s just a safety hazard, but I have heard of the city doing free bus fares. I also heard of one guy doing his own side business by taking people across the river in his pontoon boat, so I don’t think it’s the biggest issue,”  said Nicholson. 

Though opinions vary on what the money should be used for, nonetheless Fredericton should be better protected from what will likely be another treacherous flood season.