The Province, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and the Fraser Basin Council, has released new floodplain maps, covering five waterways and 58 communities, under the Government of Canada’s Flood Hazard Identification Mapping Program. This project advances a key action in the B.C. Flood Strategy to help people better understand flood risk.

“Floodplain maps do more than chart where water may go, they reveal where risk lives, reflect how our world is changing and shape how we prepare for the future,” said Randene Neill, B.C.’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Updating these maps through the mapping program is one more step in implementing the B.C. Flood Strategy. They help turn insight into action and can go a long way in helping communities make informed choices, plan ahead and act quickly if the time comes.”

Floodplain maps show where and how flooding could happen, as well as potential exposure to flooding of the environment, homes, businesses and infrastructure. Similar to tsunami zone maps, floodplain maps show existing hazards. 

Having accurate, updated maps helps local governments, First Nations and professionals plan, prevent or mitigate flood damage to their communities and surrounding ecosystems. This includes informing decisions about land-use planning and development, infrastructure investment and emergency management in a changing climate. All people in British Columbia can use flood-hazard information and these new floodplain maps to make risk-informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Insurance companies use their own tools, data and public information about flood risks to decide where overland flood insurance is available. This type of insurance is usually not included in standard home policies. New floodplain maps may make it easier for some people to get coverage. The Province recommends that homeowners contact their insurance provider to find out what overland flood insurance options are available in their area.

Areas included in Phase 1

The floodplain maps are being released in two phases, focusing on main rivers and connecting streams. These maps were created following in-depth engagement with local governments and First Nations in each study area.

Floodplain maps are complete for 58 communities around the following waterways:

• Coquihalla and Fraser rivers from Yale to Mission
• Fraser and Nechako rivers around Prince George and Vanderhoof
• Bulkley and Skeena rivers from Houston to downstream from Terrace
• Shuswap Lake and the mainstem rivers that drain into it
• Upper Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, including near Golden and Invermere

Work on Phase 2 floodplain maps is underway.

“Having up-to-date floodplain maps gives people and communities crucial information they need so they can make informed decisions and better prepare themselves in the face of a potential flood,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “These maps will support smarter planning and help protect people, homes and critical infrastructure from increasing flood risks.”