Rising sea levels and storm surges

The territory of the Regional Town of Cap-Acadie is bounded by a large stretch of coastal shoreline, some 30 km in length. Thus, the impact of sea rise and storm surges on the community is significant.

The main impacts of sea-level rise and storm surges are as follows:

Property damage or loss;
Contamination of drinking water sources (wells);
Impact on septic tank operation;
Coastal erosion and land loss;
Damage to infrastructure caused by high winds;
River pollution;
Isolation of residential sectors; and
Flooding of main roads.

Coastal floodingIn the context of climate change, flooding is becoming increasingly frequent. They can occur in different ways, depending on the type of meteorological event. When flooding is associated with a storm accompanied by high tides, we speak of coastal flooding. However, there are two other types of flooding that are becoming more frequent because of climate change:

Fluvial flooding occurs when the level of a river or stream rises because of heavy rain or melting snow, allowing the water to overflow onto the surrounding land.
Pluvial floods or flash floods are caused by heavy rainfall running over impermeable surfaces but are not linked to the overflowing of rivers.

As well as causing damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure, flooding can pose a risk to the safety of residents and public health. In some areas, road closures are more likely, increasing the risk of becoming isolated if an evacuation plan is not followed.

Flood zone map The Southeast Regional Service Commission (SERSC) has published flood zone maps that are available to the public on their website. These are interactive zoning maps that allow users to search by street address or PID number.

The sea-level rise zone adopted in the zoning by-laws (Rural Plan) represents areas at risk from the combination of a 1-metre rise in mean sea level, more severe storm surges to the year 2100 due to climate change, and a 1:100-year storm surge.

Plan 360 - Communities