Cost of adaptation - sea dikes and alternative strategies: final report

This report analyses flood risk associated with sea level rise which will affect a significant part of Metro Vancouver, and describes how the Province of British Columbia is planning for this eventuality. It is estimated that protection will require an increase in the height of existing flood defenses and the construction of new ones. In addition to dike construction, the adoption of alternative nonstructural options for dealing with flood risk will be a necessary part of the overall strategy.

Based on British Columbia Climate Change Adaption Guidelines for Sea Dikes and Coastal Flood Hazard Land Use - Draft Policy Discussion Paper (Ausenco Sandwell, 2011), which outlines expected sea level rise and flood protection requirements, the report presents a ‘Class D’ estimate of the cost to adapt flood protection to meet the rise in sea level predicted by 2100. This estimate is important in order to define and communicate the scale of the work ahead, and to then develop a strategy for investment and implementation. It includes costs for structural improvements, property acquisition, seismic and geotechnical improvements, environmental compensation, and engineering and project management.

The report also presents different climate change adaptation options, alternative strategies, special defense structures, flood level requirements, and geotechnical assessment.