The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), supported by the Province of BC, is seeking local government and First Nations representatives to participate on a one-year technical subcommittee (TSC) that will develop modernized Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines for BC. Individuals interested in joining the TSC are asked to contact Jeff Menard, Program Manager, Canadian Standards Association, as soon as possible.
Background
Under Section 524 of the Local Government Act (LGA), local governments may adopt bylaws to regulate development in floodplain areas. If they do, they must consider provincial guidelines – such as the Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines – in setting flood construction levels, setbacks, and land use policies. Despite their central role in local planning, these Guidelines were authored in 2004 and have not been thoroughly revised since (except for limited updates in 2011 and 2018 related to sea level rise).
The development of modernized guidelines will:
- Integrate current climate science and hazard mapping,
- Reflect Indigenous law, knowledge, and Rights and Title,
- Improve guidance for land use, zoning, and development regulations, and
- Prepare BC communities for the increasing impacts of flooding and sea level rise.
About the Technical Subcommittee
This project is being undertaken by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Naut’sa mawt Event Management, with support from the Province. In forming the TSC, these organizations are seeking to assemble a diverse, multidisciplinary group of 8-20 individuals with expertise or experience relevant to flood risk management. The TSC‘s structure will include three general categories:
- Regulatory & Policy – Local and Provincial government representatives, planners, policy advisors.
- Industry & Technical – Engineers, developers, hydrologists, geoscientists, environmental professionals.
- General & Public Interest – Academics, non-government organization staff, legal experts, community advocates.
The CSA has committed to ensuring a minimum of four First Nations representatives as full and equal members of the TSC to ensure Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems are respected and woven into the new Guidelines.
Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals across the province with relevant backgrounds and lived or professional experience, including:
- Local government planners and engineers, preferably across BC’s diverse watershed regions, as well those that face different types of flooding (e.g., coastal flooding, river (fluvial) flooding, and surface water (pluvial) flooding).
- First Nations leadership or technical staff working on land use, emergency management, and/or natural hazards.
- Floodplain managers and land use policy advisors.
- Professional engineers, hydrologists, and geotechnical specialists.
- Environmental consultants and risk assessment professionals.
- Academics and researchers in climate change, water resources, or Indigenous governance.
- Developers, builders, or insurers with an interest in flood policy and climate risk reduction.
Process & Time Commitment (June 2025 – May 2026):
Anticipated time commitments include:
- Kickoff meeting (June 2025): Estimated six hours with orientation and cultural agility training.
- Five public engagement sessions: Estimated three hours each. Will include three July 2025 sessions in advance of development of the Guidelines, and two at the review stage.
- A minimum of six TSC meetings: Estimated three hours each (between September 2025 and January 2026).
- Preparation time: Estimated one to three hours per meeting for reading and review.
- Subgroup meetings: Optional as needed for specific content development.
- Final meeting (May 2026): Estimated three hours to finalize the draft Guidelines.
If you are interested in joining the TSC or have questions about the process, expectations, or time commitment, please contact Jeff Menard or Kelly Sims, Director, Flood Policy, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.