Preparing For Disaster
The Seymour River and its surrounding areas, including the neighborhoods near the Dollarton Highway and Real Canadian Superstore on Main Street, represent one of the most hazard-prone regions in Metro Vancouver. Despite clear and present dangers—ranging from potential dam failures to the risks posed by earthquakes on unstable, liquefaction-prone ground—our community continues to face a startling lack of action from the provincial government and our local representatives.
Recent reports have spotlighted the severe risks facing this area, yet the silence from the BC NDP government is deafening. Over a year ago, the provincial government spent $125,000 on a flood risk assessment project for the Upper Seymour River. However, since its completion, there has been no transparency, no updates on flood mitigation efforts, and, alarmingly, no revisions to our public emergency preparedness plan. This is a complete failure of leadership, and it puts thousands of lives and properties at risk.
Consider the facts: this region is highly susceptible to catastrophic flooding if the Seymour Dam were to fail. Moreover, the area’s sedimentary base amplifies the impact of earthquakes, with the ground here being prone to liquefaction. In such an event, the ground could essentially turn to liquid, causing foundations to crack, landslides to occur, and even swallowing entire buildings and vehicles. The potential for disaster is not just theoretical—it's a very real and present danger.
One of the most glaring issues is the proximity of this high-risk area to a major chemical plant. Expanding housing developments and commercial centers—such as the new town center site and the nearby grocery store—further compound the risk. With over 10,000 new housing units planned in the vicinity, the lack of a robust emergency preparedness plan is nothing short of negligence. The provincial government’s inaction leaves our community woefully unprepared to handle such disasters.
So, why has our MLA been absent? Why are the findings of the Upper Seymour flood risk assessment still hidden from the public? Why haven’t there been any updates to zoning, building codes, or other critical resiliency measures based on the report’s findings? The primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. Yet, in this case, the government has been asleep at the wheel. The NDP talks a big game about climate change, but when it comes to taking real action to protect our community against disaster, they’re nowhere to be found.
What needs to be done is clear to anyone with an iota of common sense - First, the provincial government must immediately release the findings of the Upper Seymour flood risk assessment. Transparency is critical; the public deserves to know the risks they are facing. Second, there needs to be a comprehensive review and update of zoning laws, building codes, and emergency preparedness plans based on the findings of the report. This includes enforcing stricter regulations on new developments in high-risk areas and ensuring that existing infrastructure is fortified against potential disasters.
The people of North Vancouver-Seymour deserve better than what they’ve received from their current representation. They deserve leaders who are present, proactive, and genuinely committed to the safety and well-being of their communities. The ongoing inaction is not just a political failure; it’s a betrayal of the public trust.
If elected this October, I will push for the findings of the flooding risk assessment study to be released and action items from it to be worked upon by different levels of government. At the same time, the BC Conservatives and I will explore all possible mitigation options including the construction of flood barriers and retrofitting buildings to withstand liquefaction. I will also ensure that a robust emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes is created and distributed through community awareness programs. Residents need to be informed and prepared for the worst-case scenarios, and that preparation starts with honest communication and decisive action from our leaders.
Our community must not wait for disaster to strike before action is taken. I urge every concerned resident to demand answers and accountability from their elected officials. We cannot afford to be complacent when so much is at stake. It’s time for leadership that listens, responds, and prioritizes the safety of its citizens.