The following statement is provided by the Honourable Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, regarding a question of flooding at Mud Lake.

We appreciate and understand concerns regarding potential flooding in Mud Lake. There are examples of properties located in flood risk zones throughout the province and work has been undertaken to better prepare for such events through enhanced flood risk modelling and mapping.

Flood risk mapping was recently completed for the Churchill River. The department has also launched a new interactive flood risk mapping application that residents and communities can use to view projections for flood risk. We encourage residents and municipalities to use these resources and for communities to include them in their municipal planning.

There has been no formal request made by the community of Mud Lake for relocation assistance.

The Provincial Government has a Community Relocation Policy for assistance requests that are community-initiated and community-driven. Information on the policy is available here.

Residents in communities impacted by significant flooding events, such as Badger in 2003, Stephenville in 2005 and Mud Lake in 2017, availed of assistance under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.

The approach taken today by the Member for Lake Melville detracts from the important issue that was brought before the House. There are other avenues for the member to raise the issue, including a meeting with me.

My door is always open.

– 30 –

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca