Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy

Phase 1 Results & Reports

Phase 1 of the Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy (2014-2016) was completed in May 2016.

Phase 1 included an analysis of Lower Mainland flood scenarios, a regional assessment of flood vulnerabilities, and a review of current flood protection works and practices.

The results show that there is significant risk of a large-magnitude flood in the Lower Mainland, and that the risk is 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. 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, which would be the largest disaster in Canadian history.

Phase 1 shows the critical importance of a regional strategy and a major investment in flood mitigation. The costs of a major flood event far outweigh the costs associated with effective flood mitigation.

The Phase 1 summary materials and full reports and maps are available below.

Phase 1 Materials

Media Release & Backgrounder

Media Release: Lower Mainland Flood Action Plan Ahead (May 30, 2016)

Media Backgrounder: Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy: Phase 1 Results and Next Steps (May 30, 2016)

See also Province of BC media release: Province invests $1 million in development of Lower Mainland flood action plan (May 30, 2016)

Phase 1 Summary Report

Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy: Phase 1 Summary Report (May, 2016)

Phase 1 Full Reports

Project 1 Reports

Simulating the Effects of Sea Level Rise and Climate Change on Fraser River Flood Scenarios

Analysis of Flood Scenarios

Project 2 Report

Regional Assessment of Flood Vulnerability (Final Report with Appendices) (April 25, 2016) (Note: Large file: 56 MB)

Project 3

Lower Mainland Dike Assessment

Phase 1 Maps for Coastal Flood Scenarios (A and B) and Fraser River Flood Scenarios (C and D)

For information on the flood scenarios and information reflected in these maps, please see the Phase 1 Summary report and the full report Regional Assessment of Flood Vulnerability.

Coastal Flood Scenarios (A & B) Overview Map
(showing flood extents):

• Small Map (11 X 17): web res | press
• Large Map (40 X 60): web res | press

Fraser River Flood Scenarios (C & D) Overview Map
(showing flood extents):

• Small Map (11 X 17): web res | press
• Large Map (40 X 60): web res | press

Subregional Maps
(Sample maps showing flood extents and essential facilities in the floodplain)

• Coastal Flood Scenarios Subregional Maps:
   All Regions | Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4 | Region 5
• Fraser River Flood Scenarios Subregional Maps
    All Regions | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4 | Region 5 | Region 6 | Region 7 | Region 8