Skip to content

Lower Mainland Flood Action Plan

Fraser Valley —A new study says the risk of a devastating flood in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland is increasing due to rising sea levels and other impacts of climate change.

The Fraser Basin Council says a major flood along the coast or the Fraser River could be the most costly natural disaster in Canadian history, with potential losses of about $32 billion.
The group says in its report that flood risks are projected to worsen over the next 85 years, both in size and frequency.
The report notes dikes in the Lower Mainland were constructed in the 1970s and ’80s, that 71 per cent of those assessed could fail if either the Fraser River or the coast floods and that only four per cent of the barriers meet provincial standards for crest height.
Under the 1-in-500-year scenario, most of Chilliwack would be under water except the hillside areas and Sardis.

MEDIA RELEASE – New studies out today show there’s a growing risk of a large-magnitude flood in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, and that if a major Fraser River or coastal flood were to occur between now and 2100, it would trigger losses estimated at $20 to 30 billion — and become the most costly natural disaster in Canadian history.

The analysis was commissioned by the Fraser Basin Council in managing Phase 1 of the Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy (LMFMS) on behalf of 43 government and private sector partners. Work of the past two years has included an analysis of Lower Mainland flood scenarios, a regional assessment of flood vulnerabilities, and a review of current flood protection works and practices. Phase 2 is set to begin and will focus on developing a regional flood action plan by 2018, including a cost-sharing proposal for flood protection.

The Fraser Basin Council said that Lower Mainland flood risks are projected to worsen over the next 85 years, both in terms of flood frequency and size, because of sea level rise and other projected impacts of climate change. The Council welcomed a $1 million contribution from the Province of B.C. to support Phase 2 development of the flood action plan.

“We now have a crisper picture of the evolving flood risk faced by the Lower Mainland and the chilling economic cost of inaction,” said Colin Hansen, chair of the council. “It’s time to kick into high gear, have all partners determine the best flood protection for the region, and roll out an action plan. We’re pleased that the Province of B.C. is showing strong leadership to support this work.”

The regional vulnerability assessment estimated flood-related losses related to residential, commercial, industrial and public/institutional buildings, infrastructure, agriculture and interruptions in cargo shipping at Vancouver’s port. The assessment was based on four sample flood scenarios: two coastal flood scenarios (Present Day and 2100) and two Fraser River flood scenarios (Present Day and 2100). All four scenarios are estimated to have a return period of 1 in 500 years (or a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year). This is equivalent to the 1894 Fraser River flood of record.

Any one of the four flood scenarios is expected to be three to five times more costly than the 2013 Alberta floods and to place severe strain on the regional, provincial and national economies. In brief:

  • Present-day Lower Mainland flood scenarios would result in losses estimated at:
    • $19.3 billion (coastal flood)
    • $22.9 billion (Fraser River).

·         Year 2100 Lower Mainland flood scenarios would result in losses estimated at:

    • $24.7 billion (coastal flood)
    • $32.7 billion (Fraser River flood).

These are rough loss estimates, based on a range of assumptions. One assumption is that each of the flood protection dikes in the region would fail during a major flood and that flood waters would spread unimpeded; in fact, it is possible that some dikes will breach during a major flood, while others will not.

The Phase 1 summary report notes that Lower Mainland dikes were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s according to the standard of the day, which has since been recognized as not protecting against the Fraser River flood of record (the design flood). The dikes were also not designed to address climate change effects on flood risk. A recent assessment carried out in phase 1 of the LMFMS by the Provincial Inspector of Dikes shows that 71% of the assessed Lower Mainland dikes are vulnerable to failure from overtopping during a major Fraser River or coastal flood scenario. Only 4% of assessed dike segments meet current provincial standards for dike crest height, which includes 0.6 m of freeboard above the water surface elevation of the design flood event. Some dikes also have other vulnerabilities related to geotechnical stability during floods and earthquakes, erosion protection, or administrative practices, such as secured rights of way and inspection practices.

“There’s a pressing need for climate change adaptation in how we plan communities, and the diking system is no exception.” said Hansen. “We have to approach flood protection to address the new reality.” In recent consultations by the Fraser Basin Council, B.C. local governments have stressed the importance of a multi-year funding program to support flood management, including rehabilitation of the region’s dikes.

More Details @ www.floodstrategy.ca

All reports, maps and other material related to Phase 1 studies are available on the FBC website at www.floodstrategy.ca:

  • FBC Media Release and Backgrounder (May 30, 2016)
  • Phase 1 Summary Report
  • Coastal and Fraser River Flood Scenarios Maps (showing flood extents)
  • Sample Subregional Maps (showing location of some essential facilities in communities)
  • Full Phase 1 Reports for Projects 1, 2 and 3

Also see Province of British Columbia media release of May 30, 2016: Province invests $1 million in development of Lower Mainland flood action plan. Visit: www.news.gov.bc.ca.

Share This:

radiodon11@gmail.com fvn@shaw.ca 604 392 5834

Community Futures

Stampeders 2025 Tour

2025 Teri Westerby – NDP – Chilliwack-Hope

Unique Thrifting

RockIt Boy – Led Zepagain 2025

Exposure Events Chilliwack Expo 2025

Exposure Events Abbotsford Expo 2025

all-about-expos-A Taste of the Valley

2024 Hope Fog Fest

On Key

Related Posts