text: **Three ways Canadian communities are reducing flood**
  **risks**
  
  (NC) Communities in Canada are facing increased flood risks, with 1.5 million homes highly 
  exposed. There are large-scale programs available across the country providing flood protection 
  measures for communities at risk, such as Intact’s Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants. This 
  program is helping build the resilience of communities and homes through a variety of 
  preventative actions. 
  
  Wetlands can reduce flood risk by absorbing large quantities of water, but they are not typically 
  found in cities. In Vancouver, B.C., Environmental Youth Alliance and Strathcona Community 
  Gardens created a wetland on downtown’s east side, an area historically prone to flooding. Made 
  up of natural elements like ponds and marshes, the wetland reduces the community’s flood risk 
  by catching and absorbing rainfall and runoff from surrounding surfaces. 
  
  Knowing the risks is the first step to protecting homes and communities. In New Brunswick, the 
  City of Fredericton launched a Neighbourhood Flood Risk Tool to provide easy access to online 
  flood prevention guidance. Residents can input their addresses to see if they are at risk and learn 
  tips to reduce the risk of flooding around their properties. The portal launched in the summer of 
  2023 and was viewed 27,000 times in its first year. 