Article content

The City of Edmonton admitted it does not have the right to withhold neighbourhood flood maps Thursday, promising to release the maps to Postmedia within 60 days.

Postmedia fought for the maps, arguing Edmonton residents have the right to know if their homes are at risk, even if it could negatively affect some property values. The maps cover homes far from the river valley, on flat terrain, where residents can’t predict the impact of a one-in-100-year flash flood or cloud burst.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or City to release neighbourhood flood maps after Postmedia wins privacy appeal Back to video

City officials denied Postmedia’s first Freedom of Information and Privacy request, arguing disclosure could affect property values and hurt the economic interests of the city.

Postmedia appealed. On Thursday, the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner ruled in the media company’s favour.

Senior manager Catherine Taylor said even if the information would substantially harm the city — she found it won’t — the city can use discretion and release the information anyway.