Coastal Flood Mapping Project

The Lower Sunshine Coast is defined by its proximity to the ocean. With over 509 kilometers of coastline, flooding from sea level rise and increased storm wave action is a growing hazard facing the region.

This project explored the challenges and risks for vulnerable areas and how our community can become more resilient to coastal flooding.

Working together the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt and the Islands Trust, launched the Coastal Flood Mapping project July 2024 to better understand current and future flood hazards and to inform land use planning to address them. Each local government is already taking steps to help our communities adapt.

The project was completed October 2025. The updated coastal flood hazard mapping shows a range of future sea level rise scenarios. A policy brief provides recommendations for adaptation and updates to development application permits, zoning bylaw and Official Community Plan guidelines for development along the coast.

How to View the Coastal Flood Maps

Residents, businesses and local agencies can use the SCRD Map Viewer to see the Inundation mapping results.

1. Select 'Layers' at bottom left

2. Scroll to the bottom of the options and click on the option for 'Environment'. This will turn on Inundation lines for the Sunshine Coast - showing 4 purple lines along coast.

3. Light purple = current flood line. Progressively darker lines show 0.5m, 1.0m and 2.0m projected sea level rise lines.

An updated set of FAQs is available in the 'Documents' section on the right. It describes the project, what the maps represent, and helpful links for owners of property in potential flood zones

Further SCRD map tips, links to the report, policy brief, maps and resources will be available late October 2025.