Many B.C. communities lack resources to create floodplain maps, study suggests
Many B.C. communities are looking to rebuild after an atmospheric river system brought devastating floods and landslides to the South Coast.
But a recent study has found that several communities across the province don’t have the resources available to create or maintain floodplain maps, and the results can be catastrophic.
The B.C. floodplain maps inventory report was published in June, in a collaboration between the British Columbia Real Estate Association and the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus.
It said that since 2015, only 38.5 per cent of communities surveyed had created or updated floodplain maps, which help to identify areas that experience periodic flooding.
Dr. Nahid Uzzaman, an assistant professor in engineering at UBC, joined CTV Morning Live Tuesday to discuss the importance of floodplain maps.
Uzzaman pointed to a lack of funding and expertise as barriers to creating or updating floodplain maps on a regular basis.
“The data is also not available to the communities, which might make them unable to act right when it comes to planning flooding related issues.”
With a third atmospheric river in less than a week expected to hit the region Tuesday, there are growing concerns the heavy rain will cause further damage to flood-ravaged communities in B.C.
“(Floodplain maps) are a key and critical foundation for land use policies,” Uzzaman said. “If local governments would like to approve any new settlements in the form of subdivisions then floodplain maps play an important role, to what extent that it would be safe and sound and it’s not subject to any damages.”
In the report, BCREA CEO Darlene K. Hyde said the effects of climate change are being showcased in the province now more than ever.
“Recent flooding and this summer’s unprecedented wildfires highlight that we can no longer delay in preparing our communities for the impacts of climate change," Hyde said.
Hyde added that the need for climate resilient communities should be at the forefront.
Many British Columbians have lost their livelihoods and some have watched their homes being washed away in the devastating floods.
Uzzaman said the time to act is now.
“Time is very critical now. We should be looking back to all those land use policies to see how to make them more resilient,” he said.
“With this increasing upheaval of climate change impacts…we really have to make sure we have the capability to be able to be resilient in those extreme situations.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.