This spring, qathet Regional District (qRD), Tla’amin Nation and City of Powell River are hosting virtual public information sessions, a game night, a survey and a public workshop to gather feedback from local residents on impacts of climate change along shorelines, and what can be done to adapt and build resilience.
According to a media release from the three local governments, as climate change occurs, many coastal communities are recognizing and planning for impacts from increasing flood and erosion risk due to sea level rise and coastal storms. Building on previous flood mapping along coastlines, qRD, Tla’amin and the city are now working together through development of the regional coastal flood adaptation strategy (RCFAS).
This initial phase involves a community engagement process and will help clarify potential risks to places and things that communities value along the coast, identify community values and priorities, and collectively imagine a resilient shoreline. Feedback gathered between now and June 2022 will inform development of the RCFAS later this fall.
“Impacts from sea level rise and extreme storms present risks for our region’s coastlines,” stated qRD manager of planning services Laura Roddan. “We need your voice to inform the qathet regional coastal flood adaptation strategy and help build resilience to these future changes.”
Residents are encouraged to join qRD, Tla’amin and the city to collectively address coastal flood and erosion risk and foster greater resilience in the region. For information, go to qathet.ca/current_project/regional-coastal-flood-adaptation-strategy.
In terms of events, on April 13, at 6:30 pm, those interested can attend an online community information session to learn more about coastal flood and erosion risk and share what matters. A recording of this presentation will also be available on the project webpage. A separate session will be held specifically for Tla’amin members and leaseholders on April 12, at 6 pm.
On April 27, at 6 pm, there will be an online flood resilience game night to practice complex, adaptive decision-making and to have some fun.
There will be a public workshop on June 22 at Willingdon Beach park to explore adaptation options together and inform proposed strategies.
Residents are also urged to complete the survey to share concerns, values and what matters most regarding coastal adaptation. The survey will be open from April 13 to April 29 at qathet.ca. Paper copies are available upon request.
