When rising water doesn’t mean that the tide is coming
We live on an island, in the ocean. Just like in the movies, the water is found in all directions. And because we’re in the ocean, the water rises and falls, twice a day. Not much; just enough. In contrast, those folks in NB/QC/ON/MB are facing a very different problem.
You see, the rising waters aren’t receding twice a day. As well, the encroaching waters are coming up in the most unappealing places. Like on the back side of where the protective dike used to be, or in the streets that used to seem so dry and peaceful. A certain video, from CBC, where a woman explores her home from the comfort of her kayak is over the top.
Once the waters recede (and they will), the houses will be damaged. Permanently. Mould is real. And then there’s the realization that unless the rules of nature change, this could happen again. Next year. The year after. In fact, since most people don’t want to build high concrete walls around their home, it might be time to cut your losses and run (or sail) away.
I blame the municipal governments, and the speculators. If a dike has been built, already, the risk of flood is a known risk. Funny how “new tax revenues” can cause amnesia among those we pay to plan for such things. Just because the river looked wonderful in the sunset doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan on swimming lessons.
Again, I come back to where I live. No, I don’t invite everyone else to join me. It’s just that locally, people usually don’t build their dream home on a beach. Tides are real.
