Plan & Build 

Floodplain Bylaw Update

Bylaw No. 1844 was adopted on June 28, 2023. Highlights of the changes from the old floodplain bylaw (No. 677) include the following:

  1. Addition of floodplain mapping for Beaverdell and Carmi
  2. Updates to mapping around Rock Creek to Midway, Grand Forks (Kettle River only), Christina Lake and Christina Creek
  3. The datum (a system used to measure elevation above mean sea level) has changed since the development of the older floodplain maps. This shift means the elevation from an old survey (CGVD28) will not correspond to an elevation collected using the new datum (CGVD2013a). Meaning the same elevation would have two different height readings, such that an elevation of 447.3m in CGVD28 could be 447.8m in CGVD2013.
  4. Wave action has been included in the Christina Lake Floodplain mapping, which results in varying Flood Construction Level (FCL) elevations along the shoreline of Christina Lake. A property owner will need to refer to the map for the site-specific FCL for their property.
  5. Setback in the river system is identified by the High Fluvial Hazard Extent and Floodway, which varies site by site, as shown in the new floodplain maps
  6. Identification of high and very high hazard alluvial fans (Moody Creek, Sutherland Creek, McRae Creek and Texas Creek) and requirement for site specific assessments
  7. Increased floodplain setback from natural boundary of Christina Lake from 7.5m to 10m
  8. Increased floodplain setback from natural boundary of small lakes, ponds and wetlands from 7.5m to 10m

For information on requirements and completing a Flood Hazard Assessment, please refer to the two documents and Q&A on Alluvial Fan Assessments and Terms of Reference for Flood Hazard Assessments on Alluvial Fans.