CRD identifies Greater Victoria areas most vulnerable to sea-level rise, flooding
As climate change is top-of-mind for many British Columbians, the Capital Regional District has updated a project that identifies the areas most vulnerable to flooding as a result of coastal storms and sea-level rise.
The report analyzes 221 areas for sea-level rise inundation. Most of the CRD’s coastline is elevated and the general risk of extensive flooding is low, but low-lying areas remain at risk.
“Like many things this year, a bit of a wakeup call to the harsh realities of climate change,” says Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch.
The most vulnerable regions are McNeill Bay in Oak Bay because of the gently sloping beaches, along with Saanich’s Cadboro Bay, Sidney’s Tulista Park and Roberts Bay, and Victoria’s harbour and Gorge Waterway.
“It’s a concern,” says Dylan Tanner, whose family owns property in the McNeill Bay neighbourhood. “I’d be a lot more worried if I lived in the South Pacific on some of the islands that are disappearing, but it’s definitely an issue.”
Climate scientist and former MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Andrew Weaver, says in the decades ahead, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see sites like Gyro Park periodically flooded.
“It’s not something to run to the hills screaming with,” he says about the report. “But in the longer term it’s a serious issue and the CRD has shown some prudence in taking steps now.”
Ecosystems at the Sooke River estuary, sites around Esquimalt Lagoon and parts of Island View Beach Regional park are also at risk of intertidal zone changes.
The report says more research is needed in those areas, along with sites near Metchosin, Colwood and Oak Bay, to better understand the effect of prolonged submergence.
“It is almost certain that without mitigative action, these sites could be irreparably damaged or lost to future generations,” the report says.
Oak Bay’s mayor says it’s important to be proactive on the matter. At McNeill Bay, the district has started the process of architectural work to mitigate some of the risks there. The years-long project could include changing the slope of beaches and adding off-shore reefs.
“We’ve seen this year with the collapse of highways, the cost of fixing things that are broken is much higher than adapting in the first place,” says Murdoch.
The CRD project got a $705,000 grant from the National Disaster Mitigation Program, which is funded by the provincial and federal governments.
The work is designed to be shared with the region’s municipalities and First Nations to help inform decisions and develop building guidelines.
Homeowners with property in a potentially affected area are encouraged to prepare. The CRD says coastal flooding depends on shoreline characteristics, proximity to sea edge and elevation above sea level.
For example, homes on a coastal bluff may be susceptible to erosion. Homes in low-lying areas could see temporary flooding or permanent inundation over time.
The CRD’s coastal flood inundation work also includes a second technical report related to the hazards of tsunamis.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.