Canadians live in a country where we are free to build a home
where we want to build. We are also free to live by those decisions. If you want
to build proximal to a water flow that is prone to flooding from time to time;
you are free to build there. You are also free to live with the results of your
decision to build there. If you get flooded you must also live with the results
of your inappropriate decisions.
I see no reason why my tax dollars should go toward bailing anyone out of
such a dilemma; especially if this is not the first time flooding has occurred.
Don't ask me to change the water course because we can manage a natural water
course with dykes and berms for a while. When nature reassumes management the
re-assumption is more than dramatic. This what High River recently experienced.
The Highwood and Little Bow systems have been, and are being, managed
for sufficient time to allow the human animal to grow complacent in its
management decisions.
The flood maps that the government is using are entirely appropriate because
these maps chart the natural water course containment system (aka valleys) as
opposed to the stream itself. What the people are essentially asking for are
real time water channel maps because the nature of the stream water flow is in a
constant state of change.
One can only hope that the Provincial government flood mitigation plans include
a warning (that will appear on the property title) that the property is located
in an area that is prone to flooding. Having been warned the buyer is free to
believe whomever he or she wishes; the real estate agent or some who is familiar
with stream mechanics.
These, views are expressed; by persons unknown, but offer food for thought.
These, views are expressed; by persons unknown, but offer food for thought.
