
B.C. residents the most concerned about rain and floods
By Adam Freill
Health & Safety InfrastructureSevere weather events top national survey of disasters that are top-of-mind for Canadians.

Salmon Arm Crushing, a division of Emcon Services Inc, works on Highway 5 around Merritt, B.C.
(Photo courtesy of Emcon Services Inc.)
A year after the 2021 Pacific Northwest floods and subsequent mudslides wreaked havoc on several B.C. communities, First Onsite Property Restoration has shared some of the results of a national survey of Canadians. It may not come as a big surprise to learn that B.C. led the country on every question regarding flooding, evacuation, mould, mudslides, safety and insurance.
Jim Mandeville, the company’s senior vice-president, Large Loss Canada, was on-site within hours of the state of emergency in Merritt, helping to mobilized teams of hundreds of personnel to support first responders, citizens and businesses.
“B.C. really took a hit from the climate catastrophes in 2021,” he said. “Extreme weather events are becoming more common in the province and across the country. With the wildfires, floods and freezing events last year, it becomes clear that residents are at risk at any time.”
Flooding and rains (66%) were second only to the threat of winter storms (67%) with respect to top-of-mind disasters for Canadians.
Are you concerned about severe rains or flooding? (Affirmative response)
Canada 66%
B.C. 82%
Alberta 64%
Saskatchewan/Manitoba 66%
Ontario 65%
Quebec 60%
Atlantic 70%