Disaster Risk Reduction

The Collaborative Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation project is focused on an assessment of flood, steep creek and landslide risks in the Fraser-Fort George region, along with a consideration of climate change impacts. The project aims to create a framework for consistent, risk-informed decisions and future mitigation planning.

The Fraser Basin Council serves as a coordinator for the project, supporting the advisory committee and managing communications and community engagement. BGC Engineering Ltd. is carrying out the technical work, including geohazard mapping and risk identification. The project is funded by the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

A look at debris flow in photos Willox Creek, McBride (July 4, 2020)

Driven by heavy rain, accelerated snowmelt and super-saturated soils, a debris flow event occurred on the steep slopes of Willox Creek, McBride in the early morning on July 4. Two residents narrowly escaped with their lives. Photos: Ministry of Forests (Marten Geertsema), Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Two homes on Mountainview Road were directly damaged by the debris flows, which deposited some 25,000 cubic metres of debris. Initially, nine homes were placed on Evacuation Order. Later, four of these were downgraded to Evacuation Alert, in case additional debris flows were triggered.

The debris flow deposits closed Mountainview Road, which impacted approximately 150 homes, behind the debris flow.

Project Partners

Key Deliverables

Deliverables will include the following:

Assessment report describing methods, results and recommendations
Maps made easily accessible online
Geohazard and Risk Map Layers in geodatabase (GIS) format for use by project partners and the Government of BC through the Climate Ready BC Portal
Risk Register, providing tabulated results for all hazard areas
Presentations to communicate findings as a means of engagement during the project

Looking for a concise project overview?

Read the Project Brochure

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee — composed of representatives from each of the partnering local and Indigenous governments — has been formed to guide the project. The committee’s job is to enhance communication and share resources and local knowledge. This work will build and strengthen the capacity of local disaster management response by developing a better understanding of risk, governance, organizational roles, capacity, needs, procurement and change.

A representative from each of the project partners, as well as representatives from the following agencies form the advisory committee.