2025 Update
- The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) completed Coastal Floodplain Mapping in 2021 that identifies where and how deep the water will be during a flood event and how this might change with sea level rise. The maps also identify where and how high the buildings, structures and infrastructure should be constructed to mitigate flood damage.
- The current Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 600 needs to be updated to incorporate the 2021 coastal floodplain mapping and clarify language and definitions to reflect current best practices and relevant legislation (The Local Government Act and the BC Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines)
- Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach, the Flood Hazard Land Use Management Project was launched in Fall 2024. This project aims to develop a robust flood hazard land use management framework.
- The project will also provide the CVRD with related policies and tools to manage floodplain development applications effectively while aligning with both provincial guidelines and the CVRD’s unique environmental and community needs.
- Project goals are to make the floodplain application process more clear and transparent for applicants, practitioners and staff, protect ecological function and ensure development in flood hazard areas happens in a way that is safe and increases community resilience to climate change.
- This update will be ongoing over the coming months, with a tentative timeline of completion in Summer 2025.
Impact on Development Applications
Until the project is complete, Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 600 is still in effect and the current approach to development in flood risk areas remains the same. Applicants can continue to submit complete floodplain exemption applications as usual. Please contact the Planning Services Department to confirm requirements.
This page will be updated as the Flood Hazard Land Use Management Project proceeds. Please find more information on this page concerning our Floodplain Management Bylaw.