Perceptions of Flood Hazard and Floodplain Development Regulations in Glen Williams, Ontario

This paper reports on a study of the perceptions of floodplain residents of the flood hazard and floodplain development regulations in GIen Williams, Ontario.Detailed interviews with 74 of 96 households residing in the Credit River floodplain re- vealed that only 28% ot respondents perceived a risk of future flooding of their propefties.Previous flood experience, proximity to the river, and length of resi- dence were positively related to perception of flood risk.Respondents had a poor awareness of both the presence and purpose of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority's development regulations, and reported that regulating floodplain development was the least effective flood damage reduction adjustment used in the community.Respondents most aware and supportive of development regulations were those who perceived the flood risk, those satisfied with the Authority's programs, and those who received their information about regulations from Authority public meetings or information mailings.This latter finding highlights the importance to water management agencies of implementing effective information and education programs. R6sum6Cette recherche porte sur la fagon dont les habitants de la plaine inondable de