The growing concern around water damage and the importance of mitigation

This seminar aims to equip them with the tools to confidently communicate mitigation’s value and guide insureds to available resources.

Turning the Tide on Water Risk — Empowering Insurance Professionals to Drive Change (Part Two) Water damage – particularly sewer backup and basement flooding - has become the most pressing property risk in Canada, driving up claims costs and placing increasing strain on insurers, municipalities, and homeowners. The growing frequency and severity of losses make it clear that awareness alone is not enough—we must work toward real solutions. This two-part seminar series, hosted by the Insurance Institute of Ontario, is designed to move the conversation from problem to action. Together, we will examine the root causes of escalating water risk and explore practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce losses and strengthen resilience. Our focus is on solutions at every level of the industry: supporting insurers and adjusters in managing claims more effectively, helping brokers educate clients, and collaborating with municipalities and communities on long-term mitigation. Featuring expert insights from Glenn McGillivray and Keith Porter of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), these sessions will equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to mitigate water risk today while driving systemic change for the future. Part Two: Empowering Insureds and Advocating for Change Date: March 31, 2026 Duration: 2.5 Hours Time: 1:00 PM- 3:30 PM ET This follow-up session explores the insured’s role in managing water risk (with a focus on sewer backup and basement flooding) and how frontline staff can promote mitigation to reduce repeated claims. Many insureds lack access to municipal funding and may struggle to afford mitigation measures in today’s economy. The session also addresses the need to foster collaboration between insurers, insureds, and local MPs to develop new support programs. Additionally, it highlights the importance of advocating for sustainable building practices—such as incorporating mitigation in new construction, and proper land grading—and emphasizes how to communicate mitigation’s value when external support is limited. Don't forget to join us for part one: https://www.insuranceinstitute.ca/en/Events/16291-IIO-SW---Turning-the-Tide-on-Water-Risk-Part-One? Key takeaways: Why mitigation matters more than claims in the long term What consumers can do when they’ve had multiple claims Directing clients to available resources—including MPs and municipal programs Frontline communication strategies when municipal support is lacking Industry advocacy: pushing the needle forward through public engagement (e.g., blog or ICLR facebook, ICLR youtube social campaigns) This seminar offers a thoughtful look at how frontline teams can champion mitigation, support clients, and work together to drive lasting change. Why Attend? Value by Audience Leadership: explores systemic solutions—collaboration with municipalities, advocacy for sustainable building practices, and shifting the industry toward prevention-first models. Together, these sessions equip leadership to align teams, influence policy, and position their organizations as champions of resilience. Agents & Brokers: Learn how to guide clients with multiple claims toward affordable mitigation options. Gain strategies for clear communication when municipal support is limited. Strengthen role as trusted advisors by connecting clients to resources and MPs. Claims Professionals: Reduce repeat water claims by reinforcing prevention during the claims process. Understand consumer challenges in affording mitigation and how to address them. Support systemic change by sharing insights with brokers, underwriters, and policymakers. Underwriters: Recognize the long-term value of mitigation vs. repeated claims costs. Use insights to refine underwriting practices and encourage proactive risk management. Contribute to advocacy for sustainable building practices that reduce future losses. Loss Prevention: Equip clients with practical, low-cost steps when funding is unavailable. Advocate for programs and policies that make mitigation accessible. Lead collaborative efforts between insurers, insureds, and municipalities to drive sustainable change. Seminar Leader: R. Glenn McGillvary, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, Graduate Program, Disaster & Emergency Mgmt, York University (ICLR) Keith Porter, Chief Engineer, Institue for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) RIBO CE Hours: TBD FOR GROUP RATES OF 3 OR MORE, or if you need assistance with registration, email us: gtaseminars@insuranceinstitute.ca