The Wall

The Future…

This scenario explores how a proactive and protective approach to sea level rise could be realized across the region. A proactive approach allows for larger, more intentional responses to sea level rise including significant upgrades to existing infrastructure and the creation of new large scale flood protection mechanisms. The protective approach aims primarily to retain as much existing land mass as possible, regardless of its proximity to the floodplain and at any cost.

9:00am, Tuesday September 13th, 2050.

INDUSTRIAL LOT, RICHMOND:

In the past thirty years, 60% of all industrial lands in the region were affected by flooding and sea level rise.* Economically important, these areas were, and still are, strategically positioned close to the water along the Fraser River. In order to maintain proximity to major shipping channels and continue normal operations, they were forced to protect themselves from the rising water, often employing strategies that required very little of their valuable land, such as sheet pile walls. While these walls protect them and their businesses from incoming water, this single line of defense is an oppressive reminder of the imminent danger the region faces.

*based on percent of industrial Land Use Areas affected by flooding during a 1:50 year storm + 1m of Sea Level Rise + Spring Freshet

8:00am, Saturday April 23rd, 2050.

FALSE CREEK, VANCOUVER:

As flooding continually threatened the region in the previous decades, dikes were raised, walls were built and flood protection infrastructures were upgraded. These upgrades cost the region massively, causing funding cuts for nearly every other public service, and making the upgrades controversial amongst public opinion. With the onset of a major storm, these fortifications are called to action and the 836 meter long Storm Surge Barrier - constructed as part of an upgrade to the now 120 year old Burrard Street Bridge - is fully closed for only the third time since its inception. The Storm Surge Barrier protects important commercial, industrial and high-density residential areas, such as Olympic Village, the False Creek Flats, and Yaletown from disastrous flooding. It also protects cherished heritage sites popular with locals and tourists alike, including Granville Island, which hosts over 12.5 million visitors annually.*

*estimated for 2050 based on 2019 visitor numbers, vancouverhistory.ca

We want to hear from you!

Our team has identified 4 main approaches that our region can take in response to 2050 flood levels: The Bathtub, The Wall, Waterworld, and The Archipelago. We would greatly appreciate your feedback and reactions to these scenarios.