Update on Marten Beach Flood Mitigation Efforts

The MD completed its application for flood mitigation funding under the Government of Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) grant in May 2023. This funding was sought to support the “Room for the River” flood mitigation project in Marten Beach, which would cover 40% of the total capital project cost. Regrettably, the MD’s application was not approved.

Since 2019, the MD has expended approximately $854,000 on various studies, consultation, lobbying, and grant options to determine a viable solution for flood mitigation in Marten Beach. We worked in collaboration with Associated Engineering and Nicholls Applied Management to prepare a comprehensive, data-driven 250-page application. Given the escalating threat of climate change, we are very disappointed that the federal government did not see to fund this project.

The MD remains committed to reducing the flood disaster risk in Marten Beach, with alternative funding options and mitigation strategies being explored and will be forthcoming soon. Whatever direction council decides, consideration must be given to the future financial impacts of the project on other municipal infrastructure projects and upgrades, which will need to be monitored and evaluated.

About Marten Beach Flood Mitigation

The Hamlet of Marten Beach faces increasingly frequent overland flooding incidents that are costly and traumatic for residents, and that pose an ongoing risk to the MD and Province. The MD has chosen a flood mitigation solution that offers the best long-term value for all stakeholders. Council envisions a shared funding structure between the MD and provincial & federal levels of government. The MD continues to aggressively pursue potential sources of funding for the flood mitigation solution.

Please visit martenbeachmatters.ca for updates, documentation and background information related to Marten Beach flood mitigation.