Stratford confirms its place as Island environmental adaptation leader with the second phase launch of Atlantic Rain Barrel Project

STRATFORD, PE, April 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) launches the second phase of the Atlantic Rain Barrel Project with the Town of Stratford, Prince Edward Island tomorrow.  This is the first rain barrel study of its kind in Atlantic Canada. IBC and the Town of Stratford will be giving away 1000 free rain barrels to up to 600 additional residents to assess the impact of collective rain barrel use in relieving stress on water systems and keeping basements dry.

Based on estimates, the Canadian insurance industry paid a staggering $115 million in claims in recent years due to water damage in the Atlantic Region. Fortunately, rain barrels are proven to be an effective (and low cost) tool in helping you protect health and home and relieving the heavy burden on community water systems due to increasing severe weather patterns.

"IBC is excited to be partnering with the community of Stratford on this program.  We worked together to get this project underway late last summer, and as the ground thaws it's time once again for our rain barrels to leave storage to be put to use ," says Amanda Dean, Director, External & Government Relations, Atlantic, IBC.

"Conserving water and protecting the environment are integral parts of our plan to build the best community possible," stated Mayor David Dunphy "and we are pleased to partner with the Insurance Bureau on the rain barrel project to advance those goals."

For the second phase of the project, new participants may sign up and receive up to two rain barrels. Residents who received a rain barrel last fall may register for a second barrel. The rain barrels can be picked up at the Stratford Town Centre gymnasium on Saturday April 6 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or at the Town Office at any time during regular office hours.

Of the 1,000 rain barrels available to Stratford residents, priority will be given to residents that are connected to the municipal water system, to allow the greatest measurements of impact to be tracked.  However, if you are not on the Municipal system, we will be starting a reservation list for the remaining barrels.

Rain barrels are a great way to help keep water away from your foundation and from seeping into your basement. They also provide free water for lawns and gardens and even washing your car.  With more frequent and increasing rainfalls due to changing weather patterns, you are also doing your part by helping your community adapt to severe weather when installing a rain barrel.

"We commend Stratford for taking a key step in adapting to the changing climate by participating in this study with IBC. This is an opportunity for residents to make a difference. IBC is optimistic that this rain barrel project will be a success because Stratford residents have fully embraced this program through their collective mindfulness of the environment and their role in adaptation," concludes Dean.

IBC's first rain barrel study was in the town of Wingham, Ontario. Results showed that the installation of rain barrels allowed the disconnection of 72% of downspouts from the storm and sanitary sewer system, providing immediate relief to that infrastructure. Even during heavy rains with direct downspouts disconnected and rain barrels in use, Wingham remained within its storm system capacity.

For more information on the IBC's rain barrel studies and water damage protection, visit us online.

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 115,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $44 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 and @BeSmartBeSafe or like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

Amanda Dean, Director, External & Government Relations 
Insurance Bureau of Canada | Atlantic
T: 902.429.2730 x 225 l F: 902.420.0157
C: 902.402.1028 [email protected]

Jeremy Crosby, Director of Infrastructure
Town of Stratford
T: 902.569.6923|F: 902.569.5000
[email protected]

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