How Does Climate Change Impact Property Owners?

Climate change impacts on property owners depend on the building, its surroundings and the weather risks in that region. Heavy rain can expose weak drainage. Heat can strain cooling equipment. Storms can reveal roof defects that went unnoticed during dry weather.

No single maintenance job removes every risk. However, a practical plan helps you decide what to inspect, which repairs need attention and who should respond when damage occurs. Start with problems your property has already experienced.

Understand climate risks

Canada’s Changing Climate Report describes changes in heat, heavy precipitation and other extremes. Its chapter on weather extremes provides national context. Local exposure still matters, and a regional trend does not establish the cause of an individual storm or property loss.

For a Toronto or GTA building, review past basement flooding, roof leaks, drainage complaints and cooling failures. A basement apartment, a flat-roofed shop and an upper-floor condo will need different priorities. Ask the relevant tradespeople to assess the actual building.

Reduce water entry before heavy rain

Follow the route of rainwater

Check gutters, downspouts, window wells and accessible drains. Water should have a suitable route away from the building. If it repeatedly pools beside a wall, investigate the grading or drainage instead of waiting for another flood. Do not redirect runoff onto neighbouring property.

Review basement protection

Test a sump pump according to its instructions and arrange maintenance when needed. A qualified plumber can assess backwater protection, discharge arrangements and backup power options. These measures address different risks; one device does not protect against every source of water.

Check roofs and exterior openings

Arrange repairs for damaged flashing, loose roofing and failed seals. Also, note stains that appear only during wind-driven rain. Our fall and winter roof preparation guide explains what to discuss during an inspection.

Climate preparation for heat and power failures

Before hot weather, have cooling equipment serviced and keep filters maintained as the manufacturer directs. For rental, condo and commercial properties, decide who will respond if equipment stops working. Make emergency contacts accessible to the people who use the building.

Also, record which systems need electricity, including pumps, lifts and access controls. Then discuss suitable contingency arrangements with qualified contractors. Use generators only as directed and outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents; never bring one inside to run equipment.

After water damage, check beyond the puddle

Protect people before starting cleanup. Stay out of flooded areas with possible electrical hazards, unstable materials or sewage. Once access is safe and the source is controlled, assess wet floors, walls and contents.

Water damage restoration can involve extraction, moisture checks and drying. If wastewater is present, sewage cleanup also needs a contamination plan. Avoid covering damp materials with paint or new finishes before the condition is assessed.

Keep useful property and insurance records

In addition, take clear photos of rooms and important equipment before an emergency. Store copies of maintenance records, contact details and policy documents where you can reach them if you cannot enter the building. For shared properties, agree who can authorize urgent work.

Ask your insurer how your policy treats overland flooding, sewer backup, storm damage and deductibles. Coverage depends on the policy and loss circumstances. Keep damage photos and repair invoices, and confirm disposal requirements before discarding belongings unless they pose a hazard.

Prepare for climate change impacts

Review the plan before seasonal weather changes and after each incident. Prioritize known leaks, blocked drainage and failed equipment first. Small, documented maintenance steps are easier to manage than a long list without clear responsibility.

For help assessing storm or water damage in Toronto and the GTA, call 416-800-0000. Tell us the source, affected areas and access conditions so we can discuss the next step.