Media advisory - Fredericton leads on adaptation to extreme weather by piloting new tool to plan infrastructure fixes and reduce basement flooding

FREDERICTON, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHAT: The City of Fredericton and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) will launch a pilot project to use MRAT (for municipal risk assessment tool) to evaluate the city's sewer and stormwater infrastructure. This made-in-Canada technology combines information - about infrastructure, climate and insurance claims - to create maps that give city engineers a new and revealing picture of infrastructure vulnerabilities in 2013, in 2020 and in 2050.

This view into the future will help cities find and fix problems before they happen, prioritize repairs and leverage federal infrastructure dollars. The goal is fewer flooded basements now and in the future.

WHY: Canada's weather has been changing. Canadian communities now cope with more rain and snow, which can overwhelm already vulnerable infrastructure, and cause sewers to back up and basements to flood. The Canadian property and casualty insurance industry has also faced rapidly rising claims costs to repair flooded basements.

Join Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside and IBC Regional Vice-President Amanda Dean to learn more about the new multi-million dollar MRAT technology and how it will benefit Fredericton and its residents.

WHEN: 2 p.m., November 21, 2013

WHERE: Fredericton City Hall, 397 Queen St.

About the City of Fredericton
The City of Fredericton prides itself on being a smart, sustainable city offering a world-class business environment and balanced lifestyle with abundant recreational and cultural amenities. Internationally and nationally recognized for municipal and community efforts, the city delivers more than 60 programs and services to residents and visitors alike, in a planned and financially responsible manner. Together with its community stakeholders, the City of Fredericton is working to be the most vibrant small city in North America.

To learn more: www.fredericton.ca

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Wayne Knorr
Communications
City of Fredericton
506-460-2181
[email protected]

Ellen Woodger
Communications Consultant
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-483-2358
[email protected]

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]