Regional District of Nanaimo Completes River Studies and Flood Maps for Two Major Rivers
Posted in: News Item
Date Posted: 2022-08-08
Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo
Location: Nanaimo
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has completed detailed flood hazard studies and mapping for the Englishman and Little Qualicum rivers as part of the Sea Level Rise and Climate Adaptation Program. This work is an essential step in better understanding and managing flood risks as the maps show where water will flow during a flood event under current and future climate change conditions. They are also an important tool for land use and emergency planning and future infrastructure investment. Residents can use this information to check if they live in the Englishman River or Little Qualicum River floodplain areas and what regulations apply before they build a new home.
“The river floodplain studies and maps are of great value to both the RDN and its residents as we work to better understand and reduce flood hazards,” said Tyler Brown, RDN Chair. “With this up-to-date information, we can all help develop a region more resilient to increased flood risk due to climate change.”
The river maps were created in collaboration with regional partners and the public and partly funded through a grant from the Province of BC’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The maps are aligned with provincial guidelines and professional best practices to ensure local governments and residents alike have access to the information needed to reduce the risk of flood events in the region.
An updated floodplain map for the Nanaimo River is scheduled to be completed in early 2023 and amendments to the existing floodplain bylaw will be made to incorporate all three project findings. This will be followed by future work to develop an integrated flood management strategy for the RDN.
The overview reports of the studies and floodplain maps can be found online at rdn.bc.ca/sea-level-rise-adaptation-program. More information about the river floodplain mapping projects is available at getinvolved.rdn.ca/river-floodplain-map-update. For those who live in or near flood-prone areas, the RDN has a wide range of emergency preparedness resources available at rdn.bc.ca/flooding.