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

HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHAT: The City of Hamilton and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) will launch a pilot project to use MRAT (for municipal risk assessment tool). 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 vulnerable infrastructure never designed for today's needs. This can 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 Hamilton City Manager Chris Murray and IBC Regional Vice-President Ralph Palumbo to learn more about the new multi-million dollar MRAT technology and how it will benefit Hamilton and its residents.

WHEN: 1 p.m., November 21, 2013

WHERE: Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St. W.

About the City of Hamilton
With a population of nearly 520,000, Hamilton is located at the western end of Lake Ontario in the Golden Horseshoe region. The City of Hamilton's long-term vision is to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child, promote innovation, engage citizens and provide diverse economic opportunities. 

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:

Kelly Anderson
Public Affairs Coordinator
Public Works Department
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424 ext. 1430
[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]