Municipality of the County of Colchester

Flood Plain Management for the Salmon and North Rivers

Residents of Colchester are well aware of the challenges presented by the Salmon and North Rivers during the spring flood season. Park Street is closed annually and in a bad flood season, Robie Street will also be impacted. To complicate the normal spring run off is the tides which, at high tide, can prevent the flood waters from entering the Cobequid Bay.

In 1985 the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia studied the flood plain. The final document included mapping that delineates areas of high and low probability of flooding. These areas are referred to as the 1:20 yr Flood Flow way and the 1:100yr Flood Fringe. The 1:20 is orange on the map and the 1:100 area is yellow.

The information generated from the Flood Risk Mapping has been incorporated into Colchester's planning documents to ensure new homes are not constructed on the higher risk 1:20 yr flood areas. Some development can occur within the 1:100 yr fringe area provided that measures are taken to flood proof any structures.

The map is above for your convenience. If you are considering development of land within either of the flood areas, please contact the Development Officer for more information and permits before you start.