After residing on a flood-prone street in downtown Windsor, N.S., for five years, Amanda Dunfield has made the difficult decision to abandon her home. She expressed disappointment in the lack of support from local authorities and the community in addressing the challenges faced by residents on Stannus Street, one of the most affected areas in town.
Since 2021, residents like Dunfield have experienced repeated flooding and sewage overflow due to the strain on the combined sewer and storm water system caused by heavy rains. The aging infrastructure has struggled to handle the volume, leading to property damage and loss of belongings such as appliances, tools, and vehicles.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding have cost Dunfield a substantial amount, but she still feels her home remains vulnerable. Faced with ongoing challenges and no immediate prospects of selling her property, she opted to purchase a new home in a different location, despite the financial strain it brings.
Mayor Abraham Zebian of West Hants Regional Municipality expressed regret over Dunfield’s decision to leave, emphasizing the municipality’s commitment to finding solutions for affected residents. An engineering firm, CBCL Limited, presented a comprehensive report to the council in August 2025 outlining recommendations to address the issue. The primary suggestion involves separating the combined sewer and storm water pipes, a project estimated to exceed $142 million.
While the long-term plan is underway, interim measures, including diversion projects and infrastructure improvements, are being considered to alleviate flooding in the short term. Zebian confirmed that the municipality is progressing with the expert-recommended strategy, which includes pipe separation and diversion measures to redirect storm water away from the downtown area.
Despite these initiatives, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain, and funding from various levels of government will be crucial for the projects to proceed. Dunfield, who has already relocated, expressed skepticism about the pace of the proposed solutions, emphasizing the immediate needs of residents grappling with the consequences of flooding.
Local MP Kody Blois acknowledged the infrastructure challenges in Windsor and hinted at forthcoming requests for federal assistance. Dunfield’s departure signifies a loss for the community, highlighting the urgency of addressing existing issues to prevent further displacement and distress for residents.
In conclusion, while efforts are being made to address the flood-related challenges in Windsor, the road to a lasting solution remains long and uncertain, leaving residents like Dunfield seeking refuge elsewhere in search of stability and security.