After residing on a flood-prone street in downtown Windsor, N.S., for five years, Amanda Dunfield has made the difficult decision to leave her home. She expressed her disappointment in the leadership and community response to the challenges faced by her and her neighbors on Stannus Street, one of the most impacted areas in town. Since 2021, the residents have endured recurrent flooding and sewage overflow incidents, with brown-colored water often spilling out of catch basins during heavy rains due to the strain on the combined sewer and storm water system and the inadequate aging infrastructure.
The ongoing flooding has caused significant property damage for residents, including the loss of various items like washing machines, dryers, lawn mowers, generators, bicycles, and even cars. Dunfield recounted finding debris such as shredded toilet paper, sanitary products, and contraceptives on their lawns and driveways following flooding events. Despite investing a substantial amount of money in remediation and prevention efforts, Dunfield felt that her home’s protection was still not guaranteed.
Facing an uncertain future with no immediate prospects of selling her property, Dunfield decided to purchase a new home in a different region, despite the financial challenges it posed as a single parent with a minor child. The mayor of West Hants Regional Municipality, Abraham Zebian, expressed regret over any resident choosing to leave the community, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ decisions.
To address the long-standing issue, CBCL Limited, an engineering and environmental design consulting firm, presented a report in August 2025 with recommendations to the council after being commissioned by the municipality to assess the system’s limitations. The report highlighted the necessity of separating the combined sewer and storm water pipes, a project estimated to cost over $142 million. While this comprehensive solution is being planned, interim measures are being considered to alleviate flooding and system strain.
Zebian confirmed that the municipality is progressing with a plan endorsed by experts, which involves gradually separating the pipes and implementing diversion measures to redirect storm water away from the downtown area toward Tregothic Marsh near Highway 101. The detailed design phase is currently underway, with approvals and funding applications pending before construction can commence. One of the approved projects is a diversion initiative on O’Brien Street, set to be tendered in November.
Although the exact costs of these projects remain undetermined, Zebian acknowledged that substantial financial support from all levels of government would be essential. The provincial Department of Municipal Affairs has already invested nearly $1.8 million in flood-risk studies and infrastructure enhancements in West Hants, including contributions toward studies and design work in Windsor’s downtown core.
Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois recognized the infrastructure challenges in Windsor and pledged to advocate for federal support, acknowledging the jurisdictional responsibilities. In the face of delayed actions and ongoing issues, residents like Dunfield feel disheartened by the lack of immediate solutions and expressed frustration over feeling disregarded when trying to voice concerns for their community’s well-being.
Despite the promising future fixes being planned, Dunfield has already relocated, eager to start anew in a different community where she hopes to escape the burdens imposed by the weather-related challenges and financial strains associated with recurring cleanups and evacuations.