Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan

Following a three year process including extensive technical work and community engagement, the Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan (IFHMP) was adopted by District of Squamish Council on October 17, 2017.The final IFHMP is highlighted by recommendations for structural flood protection (i.e dike) improvements and adoption of a comprehensive flood management policy framework. 

Flood protection improvements include a comprehensive plan to: (1) address all known deficiencies in the existing dike network, (2) upgrade the existing sea dike to protect against both current and future anticipated sea levels and (3) adopt a higher standard of protection for the Squamish and Mamquam River south dikes in light of the significant development they protect. Policy updates include recommendations for new Official Community Plan Hazard Policy, a Development Permit Area, and a new Floodplain Bylaw to ensure that new development is planned and constructed to ensure Squamish’s resiliency to flooding. Details can be found in the final IFHMP report. (large file)

Context 

Back in 1994, the District of Squamish completed the first Flood Hazard Management Plan (FHMP) that was intended to do just what it sounds like – manage and mitigate the potential flood risk for the District of Squamish. It established Flood Construction Levels (FCLs) and provided guidance for urban development within the Squamish River and Mamquam River Floodplains.

A generation after its adoption, the FHMP required significant updating – like any good plan in order to stay relevant. The updated IFHMP takes into account the growing population, legislative and regulatory changes, new professional standards, provincial guidance, flood hazard assessment best practices, and environmental change (including on-going sea level rise and associated storm surge effects).

History

This diagram illustrates a history of flooding in Squamish since the late 1800’s.

Timeline

The IFHMP began in the spring 2014 and was completed in October 2017. Throughout the project there were extensive community engagement opportunities including:

Open House dates:

• Open House #1 – Coastal Flood Hazard Mitigation Options - Held October 23, 2014. Click here for more information.
• Open House #2 – Risk Analysis – Winter 2016.  Click here for more information.
• Open House #3 – Presentation of the Draft IFHMP for Feedback – Summer 2017. Click here for more information.

Council Presentations

A total of twelve presentations were given to District Council, all open to the public. Links to the presentations are available on this ‘Resources’ page.

Online Surveys/ Workshops

In addition, the project team conducted four online surveys to solicit feedback and many workshops with highly affected landowners, residents of Paradise Valley and with Squamish Nation.

A summary of community feedback is included in Appendix B of the final IFHMP report.

Project Team

The District retained a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to assist in the preparation of the Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan. Please click here to meet the experts.