The British Columbia government’s 10-year flood strategy, aimed at reducing risks exacerbated by climate change, requires billions of dollars in funding. However, local governments have been informed that no new financial support will be available.

During a recent meeting, Metro Vancouver representatives spoke with Randene Neill, the province's minister of water, land and resource stewardship, and Kelly Greene, the minister of emergency management and climate readiness. They were told that the province's tight fiscal situation means there is no new funding for the flood strategy. This announcement comes as the B.C. government revealed its operating deficit has ballooned to $11.6 billion this year.

Lisa Dominato, chairwoman of Metro Vancouver’s air quality and climate change committee, described the situation as “sobering” during a meeting with local politicians. In an interview, she emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "There has been a lot of planning and mapping of risks already and we are ready for action, but cannot fund projects without the assistance of higher levels of government."

Dominato highlighted the need for preventive measures, referencing the severe floods that impacted southern B.C. and parts of the Interior in 2021, which led to evacuations in towns like Merritt. "These are serious and real impacts. It’s going to take billions of dollars to invest in flood mitigation projects," she said.

Local governments are seeking a more reliable funding model than the current ad hoc grant system, which requires them to compete for limited resources. The B.C. government’s flood strategy, released in March 2024, did not include new funding mechanisms, cost estimates, project priorities, or timelines.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship has not provided updates regarding funding or project timelines. Flood mitigation projects include upgrading dikes, relocating them, purchasing properties to create space for floodwaters, and restoring natural floodways like wetlands. Many stakeholders argue that investing in flood risk mitigation ultimately saves money in the long run.

A recent Metro Vancouver survey revealed that since 2010, the federal government has contributed more than $179 million for flood infrastructure projects in the region, while the province has provided only $24 million. Outside Metro Vancouver, significant flood projects in Abbotsford and Princeton are currently stalled, although the province allocated $60 million to Merritt in May.

Since 2017, the province’s grant program has contributed over $360 million to climate resilience efforts, but this amount falls short of what is needed to effectively reduce flood risks. Metro Vancouver is currently compiling a list of priority projects for flood mitigation funding, which is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Provincial officials informed the Metro Vancouver climate committee that they are working on a public flood risk mapping portal and new design guidelines for nature-based flood mitigation solutions, but did not address funding issues. The need for provincial funding will be discussed at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities annual convention, where the District of Kent has proposed a resolution urging the province to financially support its flood strategy.

Laura Reyerse, communications coordinator for the District of Kent, warned that without provincial funding, communities may struggle to implement flood mitigation plans, leaving the entire region vulnerable. Dylan Kruger, a City of Delta councillor and former chair of a Metro Vancouver flood task force, criticized the government’s approach, stating, "There needs to be action. And there can only be action if there is funding."

Kruger pointed out that Delta alone requires an estimated $3 billion in flood upgrades. He expressed frustration with the current funding system, which delays project design and grant applications due to uncertainty.

The devastating floods of November 2021 caused extensive damage, destroying homes, roads, and infrastructure, resulting in billions of dollars in losses and the evacuation of thousands of residents. Five lives were lost during the disaster.