Overview

Most flood maps in Ontario are created by municipalities and conservation authorities. The maps are used to:

  • protect people and property from flooding
  • direct new development away from high-risk areas
  • identify areas where flood-proofing or other measures may be required to manage risks to communities

To map where a flood is most likely to occur, we draw the amount and elevation of floods on a base map.

Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program

In January 2022, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) launched the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP).

NRCan has extended the FHIMP through March 2028.

This program offers up to 50% matched federal funding to provinces and territories for eligible flood mapping projects to reduce the costs of creating or updating maps.

Under the FHIMP, in collaboration with the federal government we will provide up to $15 million in funding over the next 4 years for flood mapping projects in Ontario. 

Eligible projects include those that support:

  • flood hazard assessment, priority setting and scoping
  • the acquisition of data used in hydrological and hydraulic modeling
  • the development of flood hazard modelling and mapping
  • the dissemination of flood hazard information
  • research that directly helps in developing flood hazard maps 

Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis, with applications being assessed against eligibility criteria. 

Application streams

We are now accepting applications for funding from municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities through the following 2 application streams.

Funds required before February 2025

For proposals where funds are required before February 2025 , applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. EST on October 9, 2024.

Proposals may include multi-year projects.

Apply now

Funds not required until after February 2025

If funds are not required until after February 2025, applications may be submitted through April 2027.

This funding stream will remain open until all funds are allocated.

Single year and multi-year proposals are eligible.

Apply now

Program guide

The program guide includes:

  • details on project eligibility, program requirements and overall implementation 
  • a step-by-step guide on how to complete a funding application form
  • procurement primers to support the procurement of flood mapping work, to ensure standardized deliverables are met

Data, survey and mapping specifications

We created the Technical Bulletin—Flooding Hazards: Data, Survey and Mapping Specifications to help municipalities, conservation authorities, consultants and other service providers undertake flood hazard surveying and mapping in Ontario.

The technical bulletin:

  • is intended to be the definitive source of flood hazard data, survey and mapping guidance for use in Ontario
  • includes the latest science, technology and engineering approaches for identifying flood hazard areas
  • will increase clarity and consistency in the identification and management of floodplains in Ontario
  • will ensure municipalities, conservation authorities and consultants use the best available data when preparing or updating floodplain mapping

We developed the technical bulletin with input and feedback from a multi-partner flood mapping technical team of staff from:

  • provincial and federal government agencies
  • municipalities
  • conservation authorities

The bulletin is a first step in fulfilling Ontario’s commitments in Protecting People and Property: Ontario’s Flooding Strategy.

Contact

If you need any additional information or have questions, email mnrwaterpolicy@ontario.ca.