FAQs

Coastal hazards are those related to natural events like flooding and coastal erosion. These hazards can be intensified during an extreme storm or when an earthquake causes a tsunami, land subsidence (gradual land surface sinking) or landslide (sudden downslope movement of land) along the coast or in upland areas under tidal influence. Causes of coastal hazards include storm surge, storm waves, strong currents and sediment, and sea level rise. These forces continually shape the RDN’s coast.

The combination of coastal hazards (such as flooding and erosion) plus the possibility of a negative consequence (such as property impacts) creates a coastal risk. A coastal hazard poses no risk if there are no consequences; but if there is potential that coastal hazards could impact people, property, buildings, sensitive habitats or infrastructure, coastal risk is present. To that end, risks can vary from place to place, even along the same coastline. This means we need to make better decisions about where to build and what to do to protect our communities and our environment.

Preparing for coastal risks in our region is everyone’s responsibility. The RDN is completing a Coastal Risk Assessment to better understand where our coastal areas are most vulnerable. This information will help us work together to identify options and tools that residents, business owners, and the RDN can use to better manage and adapt to a changing climate and coast. As we continue the conversation on coastal risks, we will be inviting residents of the RDN to stay involved.

Continued collaboration between all levels of government, First Nations, partners and you, residents of the RDN, is needed to create a more sustainable and resilient region. Working together to plan ahead means we can focus on things like regional enhancement and economic growth rather than repair and recovery. 

You are in the right place to learn more about coastal risk! Please complete our survey to share your experiences with coastal risk and how we might continue this conversation in the coming months and years. The survey will be open until November 17, 2024. We will keep sharing updates in 2025. 

The RDN has undergone several projects related to climate adaptation and sea level rise over the last few years, including: 

• Adoption of a new Flood Hazard Mitigation Bylaw to replace the previous RDN Floodplain Bylaw - Complete
• Adoption of the Coastal Flood Hazard Development Permit Area which designates the mapped coastal floodplain as the development permit area - Complete
• Slope Hazard Study - Currently Underway
• Coastal Risk Assessment and Engagement - Currently Underway

For more information on related projects, please visit the RDN Climate Adaptation Project Hub.