Patching the Leaks: Reforming British Columbia’s Approach to Property-level Flood Resilience

British Columbia’s existing flood risk will be intensified due to climate change. One approach to adapt to this increased risk is to encourage the floodproofing of properties in flood prone areas. This study examines the gaps in BC’s current flood policy framework that are inhibiting the uptake of floodproofing. A literature review and interviews identify the institutional context, a lack of resources and information, and low public awareness as key barriers. A jurisdictional scan examines different options to overcome these barriers, which include the private sector response of creating an overland flood insurance market. This study recommends a provincial floodplain-mapping scheme as a necessary precondition for further actions. In addition, a program offering floodproofing grants to vulnerable households should be piloted.