Waterworld

The Future…

This scenario explores the impact of flood events across the lowland areas of the region when a reactive and adaptive approach is embraced. The reactive approach is characterized by a “business as usual” mentality, with planning efforts focusing on disaster response and mitigation. The adaptive mentality realizes the ongoing costs associated with maintaining current shoreline extents and opts for a restructuring of upland communities as opposed to the fortification of current flood protection.

5:30 pm, Thursday April 21st, 2050.

STEVESTON, RICHMOND:

As flooding continues, and with a major storm event on the horizon, Steveston’s approximately 35,000* residents devise ways of coping with the rising water. Temporary boardwalks have been erected within the commercial heart of the Village, as culturally valuable historic buildings - some more than 150 years old - weather the flooding. With First Responders located within Steveston, the area is bracing itself for more extreme weather conditions. But while main arterial roads are impassable and electricity has been cut off in many areas, locals continue to live here, as their ancestors have since 1886, finding new ways of cohabitating with water.

*based on 2011 census and estimated growth, richmond.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.