Treading water: Flood hazard management and adapting to climate change in BC’s Lower Mainland

Increases in coastal flooding from climate change related sea level rise and increased rainfall will stress local government’s resources. While local governments are planning for expected climate change effects through the use of adaptation and flood management tools, a number of barriers limit long-term adaptation planning. This study examines which flood management tools are currently used in four municipalities in the Lower Mainland: the City of Vancouver, Delta, Richmond and Surrey. The study then presents an analysis of potential policy options to address the barriers to further implementation of flood management and adaptation tools. A recommendation of this research includes greater regional and provincial involvement in flood management to support adaptation in the Lower Mainland.