Richmond Adopting Flood Plain Bylaw as Part of Larger System of Defence
28 November 2007
Richmond’s innovative Flood Plain Management bylaw – the first bylaw of its kind for the City - received first through third readings at the City’s Council meeting on November 26, meaning adoption could take place in early 2008. The Flood Plain Management bylaw is one of several initiatives in Richmond’s innovative multi-faceted system of defence to mitigate flooding and the potential affects of global warming.
“By developing an overall system of defence, Richmond is striving to be a leader in flood management,” said Robert Gonzalez, Director of Engineering at the City of Richmond. “We are looking at this from a regional perspective, working with different levels of government such as the province of BC, the Fraser Basin Council and neighbouring municipalities to ensure we are using the latest study data in this new and evolving science. We are also using sophisticated assessments such as seismic testing of our dykes to generate Richmond specific data to help forecast for the future.”
The bylaw focuses on revising building, landfill and set-back rules to enhance flood protection and reduce the dependency on structural defences such as Richmond’s dyke and pump station system.
The City of Richmond's Flood Management Strategy outlines the overall system of defence to address flood related issues. Expected to be complete in the spring 2008, this comprehensive tool follows principals of safety, proactive prevention, incremental solutions,
coordinated partnership with other levels of government, cost sharing and research.
“This proactive approach the City is taking will enhance both its ability to reduce flood risk and address geotechnical impacts associated with both the City’s development growth and global climate changes,” said Gonzalez.
Richmond’s dyke, ditches and pump station system is its first line of defence, but certainly not its only one. The integrated approach also includes:
- A dedicated dyke utility (which means dedicated funding source for dyke improvements)
- Plans to raise certain land levels strategically and economically over time
- Plans to require flood construction floor elevations for certain new construction
- Emergency response and flood recovery plans
“Flood prevention during times of global warming is an ongoing science,” said Terry Crowe, Manager of Policy Planning for the City of Richmond. “We are very much committed to adapting and changing to new research and data. We always want to be one step ahead.”
For more information on the proposed Flood Plain Management Bylaw, please see the November 26, 2007 Council Meeting minutes.
