Client:
Community Services, Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO)
Timing:
February 2021 to January 2022
Location:
Central Okanagan
Their challenge
Over the last few years, the regional district had begun a multi-phase flood management planning process. They had recently completed hazard mapping, and an indication of risk in the region, and were ready to take action to reduce risk. They wanted to identify the best and most cost-effective mitigation strategies that would be suitable for the region’s wide range of geographic settings (e.g., urban vs. natural, upland vs. lowland, lake vs. river shore) and local values. They wanted to involve decision-makers from multiple governments as well as the public in the conversation to explore options together.
Our solution
Recognizing the challenge of developing a values-based decision tool we teamed with facilitation specialists SHIFTCollaborative, and planners and graphic designers, Ecoplan International to build a team capable of drawing ideas from a diverse set of Okanagan Rights holders, stakeholders, partners and the public.
We worked with this multi-disciplinary team to produce an actionable resource guide (among other deliverables) for local governments that outlines and compares non-structural mitigation strategies. We evaluated 40 options for non-structural flood risk reduction with input received from decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public obtained through presentations, workshops, and community conversations.
The RDCO is sharing and using the plain-language guide as a toolbox to advance implementation for flood risk reduction, and has recently received an award for the work.
Services
Strategic Flood and Disaster Planning
Project assets
Non-Structural Flood Mitigation Resource Guide
