Update: June 2023
This project has been TEMPORARILY POSTPONED pending additional floodplain analysis being completed.
Update: Fall/Winter 2022
The Development and Protective Services Department continues to work with an engineering firm to prioritize hazard areas within the Elk Valley and complete a detailed assessment of these areas. While we don’t yet have a timeline for when this assessment will be complete, the results of the additional analysis and field work will be shared with the Board and public. The proposed Elk Valley Floodplain Management Bylaw will also be updated to reflect the new information.
BACKGROUND:
Currently, the RDEK regulates building and construction along the Elk River and floodplain areas within Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990.
In 2018, with the objective of reducing flood risk within the Elk Valley, the RDEK requested Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. (NHC) prepare a report and associated floodplain mapping that would provide an evaluation of flood hazards within the Elk Valley from the Morrissey area to downstream of the District of Sparwood. The report also provided a basis for assessing and guiding future development with respect to flood hazards. The initial report was finalized January 31st, 2019.
The report contains a series of maps that delineate floodway, provide a comparison of flood risks and identify potential hazards. The report provides information regarding the potential risks for development within specific areas and identifies mitigation measures.
In May 2020, the Consultant was requested to provide additional information to better define the fluvial hazard along the Elk River and to refine the assessment of alluvial fan hazards for Hosmer Creek, Hartley Creek and two fans adjacent to Cokato Creek Road. Results of the work completed by NHC has been used to inform the proposed Elk Valley Floodplain Management Bylaw No. xxxx, 2021.
The Elk Valley Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2532, 2014 has also been amended to reflect the recommendations provided in NHC’s final report. The proposed amendments to the Elk Valley OCP do not support subdivision of land within the fan hazard areas or floodway as delineated within NHC’s report. Rezoning applications to support an increase in density within the fan hazard areas or floodway as designated within the NHC report will also not be supported. No changes have been made to policies relating to areas outside of NHC’s floodplain mapping boundaries.
Current Policy Regarding Elk Valley Floodplain:
That until the new floodplain management regulations are adopted, property owners within the Flood Fringe be required to build to the flood construction levels (FCL) as recommended in the Elk River Floodplain Mapping Final Report and that prior to development property owners within the Floodway, Fan Hazard Zone and recommended 60m Elk River setback be required to obtain a QEP report and adhere to the recommended mitigation measures; or
property owners may register a covenant on the title acknowledging they have read the Elk River Floodplain Mapping Report, have chosen not to build to the recommended FCL, not to obtain a QEP report and will not hold the Regional District liable for any damage due to flood or debris.
Proposed Changes to the Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw
Please refer to the attached Elk Valley Floodplain Management Bylaw for further details. Generally speaking the land within NHC's report delineated as moderate fan hazard areas, high fan hazard areas and floodway have been delineated as a "Special Policy Area" and the regulations within that area are as follows:
- Development on land within the Special Policy Areas are subject to the minimum flood construction levels and floodplain setback requirements.
- Development on land delineated as a Special Policy Areas will require the assessment of a suitably qualified professional engineer.
Proposed Changes to the Elk Valley Official Community Plan
- Subdivision of land within the high or moderate fan hazard area or floodway delineated in NHC's report will not be supported.
- Rezoning applications to support an increase in density within the high or moderate fan hazard areas or floodway delineated within NHC's report will not be supported.
