The federal government, the Halifax Regional Municipality, and Halifax Water are jointly investing $6.4 million to enhance stormwater management in the Upper Bissett Run watershed in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. The project aims to reduce the risk of road closures, as well as basement and backyard flooding for homes in the area, while also improving overall community resilience to high-intensity rainfall events.
Key components of the project include decommissioning existing stormwater piping, upgrading a culvert at Cole Harbour Road and Bissett Run, and daylighting a section of Upper Bissett Run to restore it as a natural watercourse. A new community pocket park will also be created along the restored section, providing residents with additional green space for recreation and enjoyment. These interventions are expected to better protect homes from surface water flooding while contributing to environmental and community benefits.
Investing in climate adaptation infrastructure now is projected to deliver substantial long-term economic benefits, with every dollar invested in disaster preparation potentially returning $13 to $15 in avoided costs and enhanced resilience. Officials emphasized that restoring natural watercourses and strengthening stormwater systems is critical to safeguarding communities and supporting sustainable, resilient growth.
The federal government is contributing $2,560,000 through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, the Halifax Regional Municipality is contributing $2,819,999, and Halifax Water is providing $1,020,001. Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, supporting more than 120 infrastructure projects designed to help communities withstand natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and protect Canadians.
This project aligns with Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy and the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, which aim to address both immediate and future climate risks. Through initiatives like the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure, communities can access expert advice, tools, and resources to strengthen climate considerations in housing and public infrastructure projects. The funding also complements broader federal efforts under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create jobs and strengthen local economies, with federal contributions contingent upon consultations with Indigenous groups and compliance with environmental assessment requirements.
