The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), in collaboration with the Town of Gibsons, the District of Sechelt, and the Islands Trust, has initiated the Coastal Flood Mapping Project targeting the lower Sunshine Coast.
This important project aims to tackle the challenges posed by coastal flooding, especially in light of rising sea levels and increased storm activity.
Given the region’s extensive coastline of over 509 kilometers, it is particularly susceptible to these issues, underscoring the project’s significance for enhancing community resilience and guiding land use planning.
The initiative will focus on updating flood hazard maps to reflect potential future sea level rise scenarios, identifying areas at risk, and developing recommendations for adaptation strategies.
A critical component of this project involves community engagement, as it seeks to gather input from residents regarding their past experiences with flooding. This feedback is essential for raising awareness and formulating effective climate adaptation measures.
Key Project Dates:
- Jul – Sep 2024: Data Gathering
- Oct-Dec 2024: Community Engagement – gathering input
- Sep 2024 – Feb 2025: Wave Analysis
- Feb – Apr 2025: Coastal Hazard Mapping
- May 2025: Community Engagement – Sharing recommendations for adaptations & regulations
- Aug 2025: Final Report
We invite all community members to participate in this essential project. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of our coastal areas.
**King Tide Photo Contest**
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is inviting community members to document the upcoming King Tides on January 14 and 15. These extreme high tide events offer a preview of what future sea level rise may look like for our region.
By capturing photos of these events, you can help raise awareness about the impacts of coastal flooding, erosion, and wave action. There will be a photo contest with prizes for the best submissions! Photo entries must be submitted to the SCRD by January 24, 2025.
For more detailed information about the Coastal Flood Mapping Project, the photo contest, and how to participate, please visit the SCRD website.
Together, we can work towards a more resilient Sunshine Coast!
Cover Image: Gibsons waterfront king tide flooding. Image by John Roper, 2016