Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy

About the Initiative

The Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy (LMFMS) is aimed at reducing flood risk and improving the flood resilience of communities along BC's lower Fraser River and south coast — from Hope to Richmond and from Squamish to White Rock.

Participants in the LMFMS have responsibilities or interests related to flood management and include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Lower Mainland local governments, First Nations and non-governmental and private sector entities in the region. The LMFMS is an opportunity for decison-makers to work collaboratively on flood management.

Participants share information, fill knowledge gaps, enhance communications, build consensus, identify regional priorities and inter-dependencies, identify and advance projects of regional benefit and explore cost-sharing solutions.

Collaboration is important since a regional consensus on a flood management strategy can identify shared solutions and a compelling case for action at all levels.

Phases of Strategy Development

There are three phases to the strategy development.

Phase 1 of the LMFMS (2014-2016) was focused on an analysis of BC Lower Mainland flood scenarios, a regional assessment of flood vulnerabilities and a review of flood protection works and practices in the region.

• See: Phase 1 Results

Phase 2 is focused on developing a long-term strategy. Work has been underway (2017-2021/2022). The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) has received preliminary input on a first draft of the strategy from federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments as well as several infrastructure and other regional entities. Many have been active participants throughout Phase 2, by providing financial support and/or expertise and other in-kind support. Discussions and project work will continue to support a second draft.

• See: Phase 2 Overview
• See: Phase 2 Projects

Phase 3 is focused on implementation of the Strategy (2022-).

FBC's Steve Litke (right) in a breakout session at the Flood Hazards and Infrastructure Risk in the Lower Mainland workshop. This was an opportunity for managers from a number of key infrastructure agencies to discuss flood vulnerabilities and opportunities for flood risk reduction in the Lower Mainland.

Contact us

The Fraser Basin Council is program manager and facilitator of the Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy initiative.

Questions or comments? Contact Steve Litke, Director, Water Programs at the Fraser Basin Council.