Nova Scotia Businesses Grapple with Flood Fallout, Insurance Uncertainty Amid Rising National Calamities

Recent flooding in Nova Scotia (Canada) has thrown the lives and livelihoods of many into turmoil, and those in the private campground sector are not spared. 

As per CBC News, torrential rains that drenched the province have left property owners, such as Jessica Hill and her husband Allan, in a state of limbo. 

Their dreams of opening a small-scale farm, yoga retreat, and private campground in Scotch Village, Hants County, have been severely disrupted as the devastation wrought by flooding remains largely unclear.

The Hills’ predicament echoes across Nova Scotia, where many property owners are grappling with the uncertainty of insurance coverage following the damaging floods. 

The couple, originally from Ontario, witnessed their budding retreat swallowed by floodwaters. In the aftermath, they are left questioning the extent of their insurance coverage, a common sentiment expressed by others across the region.

Private campground owners, like the Hills, are a crucial part of Nova Scotia’s robust tourism industry. 

These establishments provide unique experiences for locals and tourists alike, often nestled within the province’s picturesque landscapes. 

However, they also are often located near bodies of water, making them potentially susceptible to flooding. 

Yesterday, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued to about 250 to 300 individuals residing at the RayPort Campground located near Mahone Bay. 

This recent flooding disaster underscores the necessity for comprehensive insurance coverage, particularly in the face of increasing national calamities.

Jennifer MacLeod, the president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia, advises residents to document their damages carefully. 

She outlined the four key areas of flood-related insurance coverage: sewer backup, overland flooding, above groundwater, and groundwater. 

Typically, these coverages aren’t included in a basic insurance policy and exist as endorsements or modifications. 

Consequently, policyholders are urged to review their policies closely and discuss the availability of such endorsements with their brokers. 

This is particularly vital for private campground owners, given their heightened exposure to flood risks.

In the aftermath of such disasters, policyholders can appeal the assessment from their adjusters if they disagree with it. 

Insurance companies typically have dispute resolution processes and often have an ombudsperson or a senior complaints officer to handle such situations. 

This advice is particularly beneficial for private campground owners who might be dealing with large-scale damages and potentially complex claims.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has expressed the urgency of a national flood insurance program in light of the escalating frequency of such weather events.

This sentiment was echoed by Gloria Haydock, the manager of consumer and industry relations with the Bureau, stating that they have been working with both federal and provincial governments to develop a program that offers affordable flood insurance to all Canadians.

While insurance coverage remains a hot topic, the provincial government’s response to the flood damage is also under scrutiny. 

The province emphasized its focus on repairing the damaged infrastructure swiftly. However, whether financial support will be offered to businesses, including private campground owners, remains unclear.

This recent flood event underscores the necessity of comprehensive flood insurance for all, especially private campground operators. 

The increasing frequency of national calamities calls for a comprehensive national strategy encompassing both prevention and remediation efforts. 

As Nova Scotia rebuilds, residents, particularly private campground owners, must navigate the complex insurance landscape while keeping their eyes on the weather forecast.