ADVOCACY

The Lower Fraser is one of the most ecologically and economically important — and climate-vulnerable — regions in Canada.

Read the Joint Statement

What we are calling for

We Are Advocating For:

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Through collective advocacy, we are pushing for long-term, climate-smart, fish-friendly, and just floodplain management. We believe in a future where flood solutions are shaped by nature, led by communities, and supported by sustained government commitment.

BC Flood Strategy

Full implementation, funded at the scale required and aligned with First Nations leadership, ecosystem health, climate adaptation, sustainable economies, and equity.

Read the BC Flood Strategy

$5M / year × 5 years

Funding and endorsement of regional floodplain collaborations in high-risk, flood-prone areas such as the Lower Mainland.

$75M annually

Investment for the BC Watershed Security Fund.

Joint Statement for Action on Floodplain Resilience in the Lower Mainland

Read the Full Statement

The aim of the Joint Statement is to express a unified regional voice across local governments and First Nations, and support advocacy to federal and provincial governments for stable, long-term investment in flood resilience that protects people, communities, and ecosystems from flood risks.

The Joint Statement is an opportunity for local government and First Nations leadership from across the region to send a clear message:

we are ready to work together as a region to build flood resilience for our communities,

we know what we need, and

federal and provincial governments must step up to protect this region of national significance with a program that reflects the magnitude of the task.

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Supported by 8 communities — and growing

Local governments and First Nations across the Lower Fraser

In conversation with: Squamish · Burnaby · Coquitlam · Maple Ridge · New Westminster · Pitt Meadows · Skwah · Tzeachten · Aitchelitz · Skowkale · Kwikwetlem · Matsqui

Gaining Momentum:

Delta Optimist, July 14, 2026: Facing increased flood risks, Metro Vancouver comes up with 'toolkit'

Why Action is Urgent

$8–14B

damages, Nov 2021 atmospheric river

$675M

only, covered by insurance

$1.5B

uninsured losses, taxpayer-absorbed

The consequences of delayed action are already clear. The November 2021 atmospheric river became the most expensive weather disaster in British Columbia's history. Recent atmospheric river events in 2025 have further exposed the vulnerability of communities across the Lower Fraser.

Rivers, drainage systems, and transportation corridors have been pushed to their limits, highlighting how aging infrastructure and siloed governance can no longer keep pace with changing climate conditions. Flood risk is rising faster than current systems can adapt, and the Lower Fraser remains one of the most at-risk regions in the country.

Cost of Inaction

Advocacy Actions

Supporting communities, First Nations, and local governments through coordinated advocacy and engagement.

We hosted B.C. Minister of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship Randine Neill and her advisors on a field tour of the North Nicomen Wetlands — a leading example of nature-based floodplain restoration delivering benefits for both communities and salmon. We continue to meet with Ministers, MLAs, and senior staff to keep floodplain resilience on the agenda.

Ministerial Engagement

We support local governments to advance key resolutions on integrated flood management.

We regularly engage with the Federal and Provincial Budget Commitees advocating for watershed funding. have submitted annual recommendations to the BC Finance Committee advocating for watershed and floodplain funding.

Policy + Budget Advocacy

We organize the region to speak with one voice, advocating for our communities, farmlands and ecosystems. Our current active campaign involves the Joint Statement for Action on Floodplain Resilience in the Lower Mainland.