The behaviours and level of flood waters are changing when local rivers, such as the Little Qualicum, Englishman or Nanaimo burst their banks. (RDN)

By Alex Rawnsley

climate change

‘We are seeing some increases in the levels of the flood waters:’ new maps better preparing central Island

Aug 6, 2022 | 9:24 AM

NANAIMO — A better and updated look at the region’s rivers and flood plains is hoped to better prepare for the effects of climate change.

New mapping and studies of the Little Qualicum and Englishman Rivers, along with ongoing work along the Nanaimo River is updating work not done since the 1980’s and 1990’s, taking into effect things like sea level rise and climate change’s effects on precipitation levels.

Jamai Schile, a senior planner with the Regional District on Nanaimo, said the information collected influences everything from property development to emergency operations.

“This mapping information can be used with respect to emergency response, planning evacuation routes, updating information, making sure our alert systems are up to date as well.”

The mapping will also help educate residents looking to move to or build in the area, and create better guidelines for new home construction.

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Schile said one of the biggest lessons learned was through how water is flowing through the respective flood plains and river systems.

Home to a river-driven environment, flow rates are directly influences by back country snow melt and the amount of spring rains the region sees.

The flood plain is considered a bowl shape, or canyon with a bedrock substrate underwater.

“We’re not seeing much of a change in the flood extent, in terms of how far the flood waters will extend outwards from the existing flood plain, but we are seeing some increases in the levels of the flood waters.”

Despite roughly 40 years between the last and most recent studies of the area, it’s not expected this new mapping will last as long.

Schile said climate change is putting the onus on officials to better monitor the area, collect more real-time data during flood events and revisit the maps every five to 10 years.

Local rivers swelled and some localized flooding occurred during November’s extensive rain event and atmospheric river.

Local state of emergency declarations were made for the Little Qualicum, Englishman and Nanaimo Rivers, and several evacuation orders were also put into effect.

More information on the mapping and the RDN’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project is available on their website.

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