The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2021 Flood After-Action Review (AAR) Report. An external consultant was contracted to undertake the review to hear the perspectives of those who were involved with or affected by the 2021 flood so that the GNWT can better prepare for future emergencies.
The 2021 Flood After-Action Review Report incorporates feedback from emergency management organizations, community governments, and the public, and identifies recommendations for improvement at all levels - individual, community government, and territorial government. The report also contains information on activities the GNWT is undertaking to address recommendations.
The release of this report was delayed due to numerous emergency events requiring extensive response coordination and associated recovery activities.
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“The lessons learned through the process of an After-Action Review are more important than ever. This process helps the GNWT prepare for natural disasters like the flooding that took place in 2021. It is a crucial step in keeping residents safe but also in helping residents prepare for potential future emergencies. We will be applying the information in this report to the coming flood season.”
Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Quick Facts
In the spring of 2021, the Northwest Territories (NWT) experienced its worst flood season on record. This flood event impacted five communities along the Hay and Mackenzie River systems (Hay River, Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson, Fort Good Hope, and Aklavik) and Little Buffalo River (Fort Resolution) resulting in damages to approximately 100 homes, 30 small businesses, six Non-government Organizations (NGOs), and community infrastructure. It also required the evacuation or partial evacuation of hundreds of residents from most of the impacted communities due to flooding or the high risk of flooding. Total damages are estimated at over $40 million.
In the spring of 2022, the territory’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) engaged Calian Ltd. to conduct stakeholder engagement, conduct analysis, and draft the 2021 Flood AAR. The AAR process involved a review of current plans and conducting surveys and engagement sessions with EMO officials, regional representatives, and the public.
Floods cause millions of dollars worth of damage annually in Canada. Understanding your financial risk and exploring options is extremely important. Talk to your insurance provider to discuss what would be covered in a flood and explore options so you are not financially stressed should a flood come.