Floodplain Management

Floodplain management is an essential element of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s (NBMCA) mission to protect communities and the environment. NBMCA uses floodplain mapping and land-use planning to regulate development in flood-prone areas, reducing flood risks and ensuring the safety and resilience of urban and rural communities.

What is a Floodplain?

A floodplain is land that is vulnerable to flooding, often located adjacent to rivers, streams, and lakes. Recognizing the boundaries of floodplains is crucial for effective land-use planning, emergency management, and protecting the community from flood hazards. Through floodplain mapping, NBMCA helps guide development away from high-risk zones and provides information on mitigating risks for existing development.

The Role of NBMCA in Floodplain Mapping

Under the Conservation Authorities Act, NBMCA is responsible for conducting floodplain mapping and regulating activities in flood-prone areas. The objectives of NBMCA's floodplain mapping efforts are:

• Guide Development: Prevent new development in high-risk flood zones.
• Mitigate Risks for Existing Developments: Identify flood mitigation strategies for properties already in flood-prone areas.
• Protect Communities: Safeguard people, properties, and infrastructure from flood damage.

Floodplain mapping involves detailed technical studies using local watershed data. These studies help to identify areas at risk of flooding and guide decisions for safe development and emergency preparedness. The mapping process adheres to Ontario Ministry standards and is carried out by qualified engineers.