The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, today announced the launch of a new cost-benefit analysis tool to help communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador better plan for climate-related flooding.
Developed through a $545,000 cost-shared initiative between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Government through the Department of Natural Resources Canada, the cost-benefit analysis tool is a free online platform designed to strengthen flood risk preparedness in communities. The tool is publicly available on the department’s website at Climate Change Adaptation Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool.
As climate-related natural disasters such as severe storms, rising sea levels, and storm surges increase, the risk of severe damage to infrastructure and the need for disaster and emergency response services will also increase.
This website provides communities with the opportunity to assess potential infrastructure damage and emergency response needs in areas vulnerable to coastal and river flooding and to estimate the costs of building seawalls, upgrading buildings, roads, dams, and other infrastructure.
In January 2026, the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change piloted the cost-benefit analysis tool for seven towns, including Carbonear, Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop’s Falls, Deer Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Gambo, and Placentia. These towns noted that the website is user-friendly and effective in assessing the costs and benefits of proposed solutions.
Beginning in April 2026, the department will work with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver training on the cost-benefit analysis tool to municipalities over the next two years.
Project partners of this safer communities initiative include the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador, and CLIMAtlantic.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to supporting communities in adapting to climate change and recovering from its impact. Through the new cost-benefit analysis tool, communities throughout the province can assess and manage coastal and inland flooding as severe weather increases. I encourage local governments, community leaders and residents to avail of this free online tool to proactively plan for climate-related flooding and build safer, more resilient communities for all of us.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change
“Canadians are already seeing the impacts of climate change in their communities, and having the right tools is essential to preparing for what lies ahead. This investment supports Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to protect critical infrastructure and keep people safe.”
Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
“We welcome the province’s new cost-benefit analysis tool to support flood mitigation planning across Newfoundland and Labrador. Having access to a free, online resource that helps municipalities better understand risk and prioritize investments is an important step toward stronger, more resilient communities. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to working closely with municipalities to ensure they are equipped to use the tool effectively and integrate it into their local flood preparedness planning.”
Amy Coady, President
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
“Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to have supported the development and testing of this important tool, which helps communities make informed, proactive decisions as climate risks grow. Engineers and geoscientists play a vital role in safeguarding people and the environment, and this technology will give municipalities the insight they need to engage professional expertise to plan responsibly for mitigating future climate impacts.”
Mark Fewer, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador
-30-
Learn more
Climate Change Adaptation Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool
Climate Change Adaptation Program – Natural Resources Canada
Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECCC_GovNL