Summary of Losses Under Coastal and River Flood Scenarios
Flood risk reduction at all levels is important because a major Fraser River or coastal flood puts a lot at risk in the Lower Mainland – including homes and businesses.
Here are loss estimates that could result from damage to buildings (residential, commercial, industrial and public) from a major coastal or river flood, in the present day and by 2100.
Here are loss estimates that could result from damage to buildings (residential, commercial, industrial and public) from a major coastal or river flood, in present day and by 2100 if there were multiple dike failures across the region. These estimates come from Phase 1 of the Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy and are being refined in a risk assessment in Phase 2.
Coastal (Present Day)
$14.2 Billion
In Estimated Losses
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Public/ institutional buildings
Coastal (Year 2100)
$19.1 Billion
In Estimated Losses
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Public/ institutional buildings
River (Present Day)
$9.0 Billion
In Estimated Losses
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Public/ institutional buildings
River (Year 2100)
$18.4 Billion
In Estimated Losses
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Public/ institutional buildings
Flood Prevention – Protecting Your Home and Business
The first step in protecting your home or business from flooding is to understand what flood hazards are relevant to a particular property or business. Ideally, this is before you buy or build and it is done with the help of a professional.
Choosing a Location
- When looking at a property, inquire with your local authority about whether the property is in a flood hazard area and what flood information and maps are relevant for the site
- Determine the sources of potential flooding (e.g., creek, river and/or ocean)
- Determine the floodproofing requirements for the site
- Consider alternative sites outside the flood hazard area with less flood risk
Floodproofing Your Property
Floodproofing, which is intended to reduce damage from flooding, can include:
- Elevating buildings
- Dry floodproofing
- Wet floodproofing
Financial Protection
It is important to determine what financial protections are available for flooded properties. Learn more about Insurance and Disaster Financial Assistance.
Helpful Resources About Flood Risks and Flood Protection
The BC Government has published a helpful booklet:
The Government of Canada has some tips for becoming flood ready and for protecting your property. These two use examples of urban flooding, rather than large-scale events such as a Fraser River flood or coastal flood.
You may also want to contact your local government to learn more about the property of interest, and your home insurance provider to find out what is and isn’t covered by your policy.