Annual Flood Protection Upgrades

Overview

This annual program aims to improve Squamish’s ability to protect against flooding events. Climate change and sea level rise have impacted the effectiveness of the current flood protection infrastructure, highlighting the need for improvements. 

Background/Project Information

In October 2017, the Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan (IFHMP) final report was provided to the District. The report provides numerous recommendations to be implemented, with some being designated as immediate while others that will take decades. The full list of all recommended upgrades, in order of implementation, can be found in the Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan. To date, the District has completed all Priority 1 tasks and is now working on Priority 2 tasks.  

On December 27, 2022, ocean water began to overflow onto Loggers Lane in the downtown area of Squamish. Floodwater breached several hundred meters inland, pooling in low lying areas. The long-term goal of the District is to implement measures to prevent issues like this from occurring again downtown, and other areas in town.  

The Priority 2 projects that the District will be working towards in the next few years are expected to include: 

  • Riprap up to the dike crest on upper Stawamus River dike 
  • Widen the Squamish River dike north of the Northyards neighborhood  
  • Complete temporary sea dike upgrades at high priorities areas downtown  
  • Address any deficiencies identified in the comprehensive dike inspection report 

Impacts of Construction

  • Potential increase in noise levels near the work areas
  • Potential short-term traffic impacts

Project Details

Location map

Map of proposed work locations in Valleycliffe, downtown and Northyards.


Budget

$2 - $4 M per year


Project contact

Ryan Abrams

 

Next project update

After consulting award. Anticipated August 2025.