High risk uninsured Vancouver homes left without national flood insurance program

Vancouver experienced devastating flooding last year due to an atmospheric river, resulting in over $100 million in property damage. Many homeowners, including Remy De Wolf, are still recovering from the financial impact. Statistics show that one in ten Canadian households lack flood insurance, particularly those in high-risk flood zones, where private insurers often refuse coverage. CityNews identified nearly 1,400 single-family homes located in designated floodplain areas in Vancouver. Homeowners must independently verify their property’s flood risk, as real estate agents are not required to disclose such information.

UBC coastal engineering Professor Enda Murphy highlights the lack of resources available to homeowners to understand these risks. The Insurance Board of Canada has been advocating for a national flood insurance program since 2021, emphasizing the need for targeted support for high-risk households. Provincial Minister Kelly Greene expressed hope for updates from the federal government on the proposed insurance program.