ADVOCACY

Advancing Floodplain Resilience for Communities, Salmon, and the Climate

The Advocacy Action Group is working to reform how the Lower Mainland manages its floodplains so communities, salmon, and ecosystems are better protected as climate risks grow.
We’re calling for bold government action and long-term investment in nature-based, community-driven solutions.

WHAT WE ARE CALLING FOR

Our priority is to urge Provincial and Federal governments to fund and fully implement the BC Flood Strategy in ways that reflect community needs and our Coalition’s shared values.

We are advocating for:

Full funding and timely implementation of the BC Flood Strategy
Alignment with the Coalition’s 5 Principles:
First Nations rights & leadership, salmon & ecosystem health, reducing risk & climate adaptation, sustainable economies, and equity
Investment of $75M annually in the BC Watershed Security Fund
A long-term, Fraser Basin–wide “Floodplains by Design”–style program to support collaborative floodplain solutions

What we are calling for

WHY ACTION IS URGENT

The consequences of delayed action are already clear. The November 2021 atmospheric river became the most expensive weather disaster in British Columbia’s history, with total damages estimated at $8–14 billion. Only $675 million was covered by insurance, leaving approximately $1.5 billion in uninsured losses absorbed by taxpayer-funded programs.

Recent atmospheric river events in 2025 have further exposed the vulnerability of communities across the Lower Fraser. Rivers, drainage systems, and transportation corridors have been pushed to their limits, highlighting how aging infrastructure and siloed governance can no longer keep pace with changing climate conditions.

Flood risk is rising faster than current systems can adapt, and the Lower Fraser remains one of the most at-risk regions in the country.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Supporting communities, First Nations, and local governments through coordinated advocacy and engagement.

We hosted B.C. Minister of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship Randine Neill and her advisors on a field tour of the North Nicomen Wetlands — a leading example of nature-based floodplain restoration delivering benefits for both communities and salmon.We continue to meet with Ministers, MLAs, and senior staff to keep floodplain resilience on the agenda.

Ministerial Engagement

We’ve presented to regional governments including FVRD and MVRD, encouraging them to call on the Province to implement the BC Flood Strategy. We continue engaging municipalities and regional districts to share priorities and offer support.

Local Government Partnerships

We supported the District of Kent in advancing key resolutions on integrated flood management.

Since 2022, we have submitted annual recommendations to the BC Finance Committee advocating for watershed and floodplain funding.

Policy + Budget Advocacy

We co-facilitated a standing-room-only UBCM workshop with the Watershed Security Coalition, showcasing local and First Nations leadership in flood resilience. We also reached dozens of local governments through our booth at the LMLGA conference.

Outreach and Movement Building

LEGAL & POLICY RESEARCH

Shaping smarter, more coordinated

flood policy.

Our review of BC’s flood management legal landscape identified opportunities to modernize policy, improve coordination, and strengthen support for communities and First Nations.

FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER FUTURE

The Lower Fraser is one of the most ecologically and economically important — and climate-vulnerable — regions in Canada.

Through collective advocacy, we are pushing for long-term, climate-smart, fish-friendly, and just floodplain management.

We believe in a future where flood solutions are shaped by nature, led by communities, and supported by sustained government commitment.