City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

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Area-Specific Profiles and Planning Directions

FLOODPLAIN

The City of Courtenay has detailed mapping on the flood hazard faced by the community and adopted a Flood Management Plan in 2024 to develop risk reduction and resilience strategies that reflect community priorities. That plan provides detailed information on options and actions to address flooding risk in a changing climate and within a regional context. The OCP provides high level direction on activities subject to flood risk over the course of Flood Management Plan implementation and future updates. Courtenay is exposed to flood risk from rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and increased river flows. The floodplain is the area that is known to flood during the combination of high tide and high river flows. The frequency of flooding, and the depth of flood waters have been mapped under various scenarios. Areas within the floodplain that flood most frequently and will experience the highest flows and deepest water are designated as the floodway. Areas within the floodplain that will flood rarely, during the most extreme events are designated as the flood fringe. The permitted land uses for the floodway and flood fringe areas of the floodplain are different to reduce the damage caused by flood events. This is one of many actions to reduce flood risk. A description of all flood risk reduction measures is provided in the Flood Management Plan.

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan