FHIMP Invitation for Proposals: Funding Opportunities for Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Projects
Introduction
The Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) is a five-year initiative (2023-2028) led by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) with the goal of enhancing flood preparedness and planning in Canada.
This five-year program, spanning from 2023 to 2028, aims to enhance flood preparedness for Canadians in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments. The FHIMP seeks project proposals in the following core activity stream:
- Improvements to regional flood modelling methods and approaches
- Enhancement to regional flood modelling using AI tools
- Leveraging remote sensing and earth observation to support regional flood modelling
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In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, FHIMP aims to create comprehensive flood hazard maps for high-risk areas and make this information accessible nationwide. The program introduces a unique approach called “regional modelling,” focusing on providing medium-level detail for hazard information in areas where detailed engineering maps may be impractical. NRCan plans to support the implementation of regional flood hazard modelling projects, emphasizing research and development activities to improve this novel approach. The FHIMP Contribution Program encourages proposals for projects aligning with its objectives.
Why Flood Maps are important?
Flood maps play a crucial role in informing strategies to minimize the impacts of floods. These maps aid in decision-making related to flood mitigation, adapting to the changing climate, building resilience, and safeguarding lives and properties. The program underscores the necessity for regular maintenance of flood maps and their accessibility to the broader Canadian population. The goal is to enhance mitigation efforts and ensure a well-coordinated response to flood-related challenges.
Source: ESRI
Who can get involved?
Entities eligible to submit project proposals for the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) include Canadian or international profit and non-profit organizations, individuals, international governments, corporations, industry associations, research associations, academic institutions, and various government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations at different levels. This encompasses provincial, territorial, regional, municipal, and rural entities, as well as Indigenous national, regional, local, or remote organizations.
Funding
FHIMP provides funding for projects over the fiscal years 2024-2025 to 2026-2027, with specific amounts allocated per year. Proponents can apply for a maximum of 75% of total project costs, except for certain eligible entities where 100% funding may be authorized. The funding is available for projects starting on or after April 1, 2024, and ending by March 31, 2027.
Deadlines
The application process is competitive and involves a review of project proposals, evaluation, project selection, and, by invitation only, the development of formal contribution agreements. The deadlines for proposal submissions, project start dates, and completion dates are outlined in the guidelines.
Contribution Agreements
FHIMP will invite the Proponents of successful Proposals to discuss Contribution Agreements. The resulting Agreements will describe the terms and conditions for Grants and Contributions in Support of Resilience to Natural Disaster Risks and set out expectations such as Proponent’s Project duration, their outputs, their milestones and tasks, dates, Proponent’s human resources (organization, team member names, roles/titles, per diem and hours of effort/person), their communications plan, and their financial details.
References:
The Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) Announcement
Ontario Flood hazard identification and mapping
