Topic
Catastrophes
Flood risk in southwestern Ontario: It’s not just rainfall…
October 16, 2019 by Greg MeckbachHigher-than normal levels on the Great Lakes are increasing water damage risk in Windsor, Ont., which was hit two years ago with flooding that cost the industry more than $100 million. “We are well above where we typically are for…
After Dorian: Will Canada hit $2 billion in insured losses again this year?
October 7, 2019 by Jason ContantCanada has already surpassed $1 billion in insured losses with nearly three months left in 2019, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ). “Last year, insured damage from severe weather across Canada exceeded $2 billion, the fourth-highest amount of…
Two remaining mysteries from 2008 Sunrise Propane explosions
October 4, 2019 by Greg MeckbachEleven years after the Sunrise Propane explosions in north Toronto that forced the evacuation of about 12,000, no one seems to know exactly what caused that accident or what the total damage was, an Annual Engineering Insurance Conference speaker suggested…
The burning question: where is Canada’s national wildfire plan?
October 1, 2019 by Adam MalikEnough talk about wildfire risk has taken place, says Zurich Canada’s risk boss. Now there needs to be real action around building a national strategy on wildfires. It’s been three years since the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta., for which…
Work to begin on removal of Halifax construction crane felled by Dorian
September 30, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSHALIFAX – Work was expected to begin Sunday that would allow the removal of the mangled remains of a construction crane that collapsed in downtown Halifax during post-tropical storm Dorian. The province said in a news release that final inspections…
When more Isn’t merrier
September 27, 2019 Adam Malik, Managing EditorHow can a joyous occasion turn into a nightmare scenario? The perils of public parades
Did Dorian create a capacity issue for claims adjusters?
September 24, 2019 by Jason ContantEven though post-tropical storm Dorian knocked out power to about 80% of homes and businesses in Nova Scotia, and left thousands more without power in the other Atlantic provinces, claims adjusters were well-equipped to deal with its aftermath. “In the…
Calgary flood protection project faces opposition
September 24, 2019 Bill Graveland - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – Alberta’s premier says it’s possible a proposed reservoir to protect Calgary from floods will have to go back to the drawing board if federal regulators say no or court delays persist. Opponents of the dry reservoir at Springback,…
What’s happening with police report on B.C. wildfire that destroyed more than 200 structures
September 18, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSKAMLOOPS, B.C. – The RCMP investigation into the cause of a massive wildfire that destroyed homes and charred nearly 2,000 square kilometres of land in British Columbia has now been passed to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.…
SPECS acquired by New York consulting firm
September 17, 2019 by Greg MeckbachSpecialized Property Evaluation Control Services, better known as SPECS, has been acquired by J.S. Held LLC, an American consulting firm, the companies announced Tuesday. SPECS, based in Langley, B.C., does property damage assessments, restoration consulting, construction project administration, risk management,…
Have insured cat losses already reached $1 billion this year?
September 13, 2019 by Jason ContantThe “alarming trend” towards increasingly severe and frequent weather events causing higher insurance payouts continues in 2019, with close to $900 million in insured losses recorded already so far this year. In 2018, insured damage from severe weather across Canada…
Electrical grids need rethink in era of intense storms, experts say
September 11, 2019 The Canadian PressHALIFAX – In an era when storms with hurricane-force winds are expected to keep battering Atlantic Canada, experts say the region should make major changes to electrical grids, shoreline defences and even the types of trees being planted. Work continues…