Homeowners’ lack of awareness may result in huge economic losses
Ottawa is known for many things, including Parliament, the Rideau Canal, countless museums, and of course, cold winters. One thing it is less well-known for is earthquakes. However, according to a report titled “Earthquake Risk in Eastern Canada: Mind the Shakes” issued last year by the company Swiss Re, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec City are a veritable hotbed of seismic activity.
According to Earthquakes Canada, every year, there are about 450 quakes every year in the eastern provinces. There have already been nine earthquakes with epicentres in Canada in 2019, five of which were in eastern Canada. Most of the earthquakes are fairly small, but since 1663, there have been at least 10 earthquakes in eastern Canada with a magnitude of 5.0 to 7.0. The most recent large quake was the 5.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010 with an epicentre in Buckingham, Qué., about 56 kilometres north of Ottawa. Maurice Lamontagne, a seismologist with the Geological Survey of Canada, told the National Post that there is a 45 per cent chance that the next half-century will see a major earthquake in the Québec City area.
Unfortunately, the public is largely unaware of the threat of earthquakes in eastern Canada. Not only does this lack of awareness create public safety concerns, but it may also lead to huge economic losses in the event of a major event. Many of the older buildings in Canada’s more historic cities were built before earthquake precautions were incorporated into building codes, meaning they are less well-suited to withstand tremors than modern construction.
Moreover, the lack of public awareness means that homeowners are less likely to take out earthquake insurance, and therefore will be liable to cover any losses resulting from an earthquake.
The report by Swiss Re claims that a single earthquake of a magnitude of only 5.8 could result in over $45 billion in damage in Montreal alone. Earthquakes Canada claims quakes with a magnitude under 5.4 rarely cause damage and those under 6.0 cause only slight damage to well-designed buildings.
Pierre Babinsky, a spokesman for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), told the National Post that only three per cent of homeowners in Québec City and four per cent in Montreal have earthquake insurance. Babinsky went on to state that 85 per cent of people the IBC surveyed recently in Québec did not think they were at risk of being affected by an earthquake.
In contrast, according to Swiss Re 65 per cent of households in B.C. have earthquake insurance. According to Babinsky, the IBC is actively trying to raise awareness about the issue by demonstrating to homeowners around Québec just what a major earthquake feels like — with a portable earthquake simulator. These “awareness” tactics, however, can be interpreted as being in the interest of the insurance industry, given that greater awareness could result in higher rates of homeowners taking out insurance.
Even though the public may not be aware of the issue, the City of Ottawa certainly is. The Ottawa Citizen reported that the city considers earthquakes to be one of the top five most serious threats. This judgement is based not only on the geology of the area but also on the types of buildings in the city.
Pierre Poirier, Ottawa’s Chief of Security and Emergency Management, told the Ottawa Citizen that “an earthquake of 6.5 in this city could be devastating.” While there may not be cause for immediate alarm, Parliament’s iconic Centre Block has shut down entirely for at least 10 years for renovations that include seismic reinforcement of the building’s foundations and walls.
Part of the reason the renovations are slated to take so long is due to a $100 million basement excavation that is part of the seismic reinforcements. Although these measures may not prevent severe damage during a major quake, a Seismic Research Study for Centre Block prepared for Public Works and Government Services Canada by Halsall Associates states that the restraints can prevent the building from collapsing on its occupants.
Writer’s note and disclaimer: My name is Ella; I’m a U of G alumna, and I intern for Elizabeth May — MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and the leader of the Green Party of Canada (GPC). As Ms. May’s intern, I attend parliamentary committees, correspond with constituents, attend legislative affairs, and work closely with her legislative assistants. The catch is, I have no prior experience with or knowledge of politics. This column details my experiences learning about the political culture and proceedings on Parliament Hill. My views are my own, and do not represent those of the GPC or of The Honourable Elizabeth May, MP.
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons