Client:
District of Ucluelet
Timing:
November 2019 to June 2020
Location:
Ucluelet, British Columbia
Their challenge
The District of Ucluelet (DOU), located on the rugged outer west coast of Vancouver Island, has a spectacular and diverse coastal landscape. The area’s setting however means that it is exposed to coastal flood hazards from storms and tsunamis. These hazards are shifting with the changing climate, particularly sea level rise.
The DOU applied for and received funds from the Province of British Columbia through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) to develop modern flood maps to support the goal of better understanding the coastal hazards.
Our solution
We conducted a flood hazard assessment of multiple coastal storms and tsunami flood scenarios by collaborating with coastal modelling experts. These scenarios were combined with a range of sea level rise projections. Working according to latest [draft] flood mapping guidelines, Ebbwater completed a series of technical as well as simple and intuitive flood hazard maps. The information is currently being used to inform policy and planning in terms of Flood Construction Levels, Sea Level Rise Planning Areas, Hazard Development Permit Areass, etc. and in emergency planning, with the goal of reducing community risk to coastal flooding.
This project included public engagement initiatives, which had to be pivoted to address COVID19 protocols. As an alternative to a public meeting, a website and public display boards were prepared and presented in the community centre. In addition, collaborating with a sub-consultant we developed a video showing tsunami inundation.
We have appreciated working with the Ebbwater team…and the kind of amazing work that they do. It’s been really something to see how the process unfolds and… watch the experts do their work.
– Bruce Greig
Manager of Community Planning, District of Ucluelet
Services
Flood Hazard Assessment and Flood Mapping
Project assets
District of Ucluelet Flood Mapping Report
District of Ucluelet Public Engagement Posters
