Water Stewardship

Flood Hazard Management in British Columbia: Who is Responsible?

1. Dikes in British Columbia
2. Flooding and Flood Damage
3. Who is Responsible for the Operation and Maintenance of Existing Dikes?
   • Local Authorities
   • Provincial Dikes
   • Inspector of Dikes
4. Legislation
5. Want to Know More?

1. Dikes in British Columbia

Diking in British Columbia started as early as 1864. Today, there are 140 diking systems in British Columbia with a total length of over 1000 km protecting 120 000 ha of valuable land.

In the Lower Mainland area alone, over 50% of the population, together with $13 billion in development, are dependent on the integrity of 600 km of diking, 400 floodboxes and 100 pumpstations.

2. Flooding and Flood Damage

British Columbia settlers found the richest farmlands and the easiest routes for transportation in river valleys. The earliest settlements were established along streams and lakes, often on land that was subject to periodic flooding.

In 1894, the greatest flood on record occurred affecting extensive areas in the southern half of the province. Fortunately, development was still sparse and relatively little damage was caused. Later, as development continued on our floodplains, an increasing reliance was placed on dikes to protect these areas. During the 1948 flood, dikes failed, 10 people died, 2000 homes were destroyed, 16,000 residents were evacuated and about $140 million in damages occurred (1994 dollars). A recurrence today could cause an estimated $1.8 billion in damages throughout the Fraser Valley. A recent example is the 1995 flood in the Fernie area, which resulted in flood damages of approximately $20 million. These figures emphasize the importance of having properly designed, constructed and maintained dikes.

3. Who is Responsible for the Operation and Maintenance of Existing Dikes?

• Local Authorities
  Currently, there are approximately 120 local authorities, diking districts, municipalities, crown corporations and senior government departments who own and operate public diking systems in British Columbia.
  
  Under common law and in accordance with pertinent legislation and/or agreements, responsibility for operation and maintenance (including inspection and emergency response) is vested with these organizations.

• Provincial Dikes
  There are over 20 flood protection systems which do not have a responsible local authority. Inspection of these dikes is presently the responsibility of the Deputy Inspector of Dikes.

• Inspector of Dikes
  Provincial responsibilities and general supervision relative to the construction and maintenance of dikes lies with the office of the Inspector of Dikes. The provincial Dike Safety Program is delivered through the Deputy Inspector of Dikes. Activities include: approval of all works in and about dikes; joint inspections to monitor and audit the owner's dike management program; and includes the ability to issue orders to protect public safety.

4. Legislation

The Dike Maintenance Act is the legislative basis for operation and maintenance of public dikes in British Columbia.

Other legislation relative to diking authorities in British Columbia include the Drainage, Ditch and Dike Act and the Local Government Act which allows local governments to undertake diking and drainage through local bylaws and Improvement Districts.

For updated legislation, please refer to the Flood Hazard Management home page.

5. Want to Know More?

For more information on the provincial Flood Hazard Management program, please contact the Inspector of Dikes.

Contact Us: Water.Stewardship@gov.bc.ca

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