Canadians Express Worry as Climate Change Drives Up Insurance Costs and Property Damage
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 19, 2025 – A new survey from First Onsite Property Restoration highlights growing anxieties among Canadians about climate change and its ramifications for their properties and wallets. With a backdrop of record-breaking weather-related insurance losses across Canadian communities, there’s considerable concern about the impacts of climate change.
Climate Change and Insurance Rate Concerns
The annual Weather and Property Survey, commissioned by First Onsite, polled over 1,500 adults and found that a substantial majority of Canadians, 73 percent, are worried about the effects of climate change, extreme weather, and disasters. This concern is particularly pronounced in Atlantic Canada, where 79 percent expressed worry. Other regions with high concern levels include Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia, each with over 75 percent of respondents expressing similar views.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 74 percent of Canadians are concerned that climate change is pushing up the cost of their home or business insurance, marking an eight-percent increase from the previous year. A significant portion, 36 percent, reported already experiencing increases in their property insurance rates.
2024 Sets New Record for Weather-Related Losses
According to CatIQ, 2024 saw a historic surge in severe weather-related property losses, reaching $8.5 billion. This figure nearly triples the total insured losses of 2023 and surpasses the previous record of $6.2 billion from 2016 when wildfires ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Property Insurance Rates on the Rise
A recent study from MyChoice, a Canadian insurtech company, indicates that property insurance rates across Canada have risen by 5.28 percent in 2025. Alberta leads with a 9.07 percent yearly increase, following significant damages, particularly the Calgary hailstorm and the Jasper fire, which contributed to $4.1 billion in losses.
Severe Rains and Urban Flooding Concerns
With the arrival of spring, the focus shifts to severe rains and the potential for flooding. A notable 66 percent of Canadians are worried about severe rains and flooding, a six percent increase compared to the previous year. British Columbia (73 percent), Quebec (70 percent), and Atlantic Canada (71 percent) are the provinces most concerned.
Canada has recently faced significant urban flooding events, including in the Greater Toronto Area and Montréal in 2024. Statistics Canada suggests that with 80 percent of Canadian cities situated on flood plains and the country’s aging water infrastructure, these flooding events will likely continue and face increased pressure from climate change.
“As springtime approaches, one of the biggest threats to property is flooding and water damage,” said Jim Mandeville, Senior Vice President, Large Loss North America for First Onsite Property Restoration. “Temperatures increase, snow transforms to rain, frozen ground thaws, and river levels rise. Water and moisture can collect around the foundation of homes and businesses. The importance of being ready for these events increases every year.”
Increased Worry About Winter Storms, Extreme Cold, and Burst Pipes
Reflecting on the past winter, marked by snowstorms and dramatic temperature swings, respondents expressed growing concerns about winter storms. Concerns rose to 71 percent of Canadians, up from 63 percent in 2024. Ontario showed the highest concern at 79 percent, an 11 percent increase. There is also a higher concern about extreme cold, freezing, and burst pipes, with 68 percent expressing worries, a 10-point increase over the prior year.
Much of this increased concern can be attributed to the winter of 2023-2024 being notably milder than usual. In fact, the national average temperature for the 2023-2024 winter (December-February) was 5.2°C above the baseline average. Compared to last year, this year’s colder temperatures have triggered concerns among Canadians about the impact of winter storms.
Top Disaster Concerns in Canada for 2025 (Table)
Source: First Onsite Property Restoration
Mould as a Significant Property Fear
The survey also examined specific property-related fears, with the development of mould after flooding or severe weather emerging as a major concern for 61 percent of Canadians. Water-related events, both natural and mechanical flooding, typically account for nearly 70 percent of all emergency responses for First Onsite.
In instances of water damage, mould growth poses a serious threat to property sanitation. The presence of excess water and moisture, often triggered by spring showers and melting snow, can significantly contribute to mould growth, particularly in areas with poor ventilation and dampness. Awareness of these environmental triggers—temperature, moisture, and lack of ventilation—is crucial for protecting residential and commercial properties.
Property Fears from Severe Weather (Table)
Source: First Onsite Property Restoration
Protecting Property in the Face of Seasonal Changes
“The increased occurrence and intensity of weather-related events is a constant driver for homeowners, businesses, and communities to be more resilient and better prepared for tomorrow,” said Mandeville. “With the right planning and resources in place, people can be better equipped to respond to property emergencies.”
First Onsite provides complimentary guides for homeowners and businesses, focusing on preventing water damage and safeguarding against mould and mildew. Operating in Canada for 18 years, First Onsite has been at the forefront of addressing high-risk situations stemming from climate change, natural disasters, and weather-related events, including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme cold.
About the FIRST ONSITE Weather and Property Survey
The survey was conducted by Maverick Public Relations from February 19th to February 21st, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,501 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. It was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About First Onsite: North America’s Trusted Leader in Property Restoration
First Onsite Property Restoration is a leading provider of emergency response planning, mitigation, and reconstruction services in North America. With over 2,500 team members across more than 100 locations in Canada and the U.S., First Onsite focuses on empowering its team and upholding ethical practices to assist clients in restoring, rebuilding, and recovering. First Onsite is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation.
For more information, visit firstonsite.ca or follow First Onsite on LinkedIn.
