Steveston Island Flood Protection Update

New findings are available from the Steveston Island Dike investigation project.  As part of Dike Master Plan Phase 1, the City identified a new dike on Steveston Island with structure and gates to enclose Steveston Harbour.  The design concept includes a navigation sea gate, sheet pile and island earth-filled dike, and a stop-log access gate as core components. The primary objectives of the dike concept are:

• Flood Safety - Increase flood protection from sea level rise, storm surge and post-seismic tidal events for the Steveston area;
• Harbour Operations - provide and enhance important riparian and aquatic habitat while maintaining or improving water quality within the harbour; and
• Parks/Public Amenities - provide opportunities for public education on flood protection and encourage meaningful engagement between the public and natural habitat.

Scope of Work

• Preliminary geotechnical investigations, expert consultation, stakeholder engagement and concept review have been completed;
• Negotiate land use and rights-of-way on Steveston Island;
• Establish strategic partnerships in order to reduce construction costs and seek funding from senior government; and 
• Secure all environmental permitting requirements based on the final design.

The Steveston Island dike and sea gate project is a long-term initiative and has a multi-decade timeline for implementation.  Advance planning and proactive engagement of stakeholders allows the City to strategically implement this upgrade through grants and partnerships, and accelerate the construction schedule should funding opportunities or changes in climate change science arise.

For additional information on this project, please view the Report to Public Works and Transportation Committee.