Coastal Flood Risk Governance in Newfoundland, Canada: A Multidimensional Analysis of Assessment, Management, and Communication

Abstract

Coastal communities in Newfoundland, Canada, face significant and escalating flood risks due to heavy precipitation, coastal storms, and climate change impacts, positioning the region as highly vulnerable despite existing mitigation efforts. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of coastal flood risk governance in Newfoundland, drawing upon a qualitative review of secondary literature, including academic studies, government reports, and policy documents. The analysis is structured around five crucial components of risk governance: interdisciplinary risk estimation (encompassing risk assessment and concern assessment), risk characterization and evaluation, risk management (including monitoring, prevention, protection, preparedness, and mitigation), and risk communication. Findings reveal that although Newfoundland employs various tools for hazard identification (e.g., LiDAR, hydrological models) and vulnerability assessment, challenges persist in data resolution, equitable resource distribution, and consistent public engagement. Effective risk management integrates structural and nonstructural measures, emphasizing continuous monitoring and adaptive planning. Furthermore, robust risk communication strategies, involving scientific experts and credible information sources, are vital for fostering public awareness and shared responsibilities. The study concludes that an integrated, adaptive, and collaborative governance framework that prioritizes equity and community resilience represents a theoretically grounded and conceptually promising pathway to mitigate future flood risks and enhance the well‐being of Newfoundland's coastal populations, though empirical validation of this proposition through primary research remains a necessary next step.