Flood Evacuation Area

FAQs - Earthquakes and Flood Risk

• Are BC Hydro’s dams on the Campbell River system safe?

  BC Hydro’s dams are safe and well managed.

  A 2013 independent external audit by two international experts in dam safety found BC Hydro has a strong dam safety program and a robust risk assessment process consistent with international best practices. The audit found that BC Hydro’s dams are well managed.

  BC Hydro manages the safety of its facilities through a comprehensive dam safety program that includes:

  • daily monitoring;
  • weekly and semi-annual inspections;  and
  • comprehensive reviews every 7 – 10 years

• How effective is BC Hydro’s Dam Safety Program?

  More than 4,000 instruments collect and report automatically on the performance of the dams. The dams are visually checked weekly and receive more extensive inspections by qualified dam safety engineers twice a year.

  BC Hydro submits annual reports to the Province of British Columbia and commissions independent reviews of the dams every 7 to 10 years.

  The dam management system goes through extensive external and internal reviews every five years. The management system is also emulated by other jurisdictions in North America and around the world.

  BC Hydro’s dam safety program is based on provincial regulations, guidelines published by the Canadian Dam Association, and international best practice.

• Why is BC Hydro sharing this seismic dam safety information for Campbell River?

  The risk of a major seismic event has always been present in British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island. In fact, BC Hydro has been evaluating and addressing the seismic risks at its facilities for more than 30 years. They have also been running emergency exercises and discussing risks with local emergency planners for decades.

  This recent study provides a much better understanding of the range of ground motions that could be expected at BC Hydro facilities in the event of a major earthquake.

  BC Hydro continues to work with the City of Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District, First Nations and local emergency planners to develop plans that incorporate this new information about the Campbell River dam system, and sharing this information with the general public to ensure people are as prepared as possible to protect themselves from potential flooding in the event of a major earthquake or severe storm.

• What is considered to be a major earthquake? What kind of earthquake would put the Campbell River dams at risk?

  Only a major earthquake could put these dams – John Hart dam and Strathcona dam – at risk. A major earthquake is one that would cause considerable damage to ordinary buildings (i.e. falling walls, broken solid stone walls, twisting or falling chimneys.)

• What are the implications of this study for other non-Hydro infrastructure, such as bridges, highways, schools and hospitals?

  BC Hydro’s seismic model will be made available to local governments, agencies and others who are interested in assessing whether the study would be applicable to infrastructure designed to better withstand earthquakes according to the National Building Code.

• How does this seismic study differ from previous work done by BC Hydro and upon which it based its seismic upgrade program?

  This new model is first-of-its kind developed for use in the hydropower industry in North America. BC Hydro has built a seismic hazard model using more rigorous processes similar to that used by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

  This work provides a much better understanding of the range of seismic ground motions that could be expected at our facilities in the event of a major earthquake.

• What are the factors that could cause flooding related to the Campbell River dam system?

  A. Major earthquake: During a major earthquake, a worst case scenario, these dams could be damaged and could fail due to extreme and lengthy shaking that would occur. This would result in the release of a large volume of water that is being held back by the dams. This is why it is important for downstream residents to understand what to do in these circumstances.

  BC Hydro would also work very quickly to lower the water level in the John Hart reservoir to lessen the pressure on the dam.

  B. Severe weather: Unlike a major earthquake, this would take multiple days if not weeks to affect the dams, as large storm systems, one after another, hit the watershed. As the reservoirs fill, BC Hydro’s ability to prevent floods is diminished.  Localized flooding may begin along the river, with the potential for wider reach in an extreme flood situation.

• How much water is stored behind the dams? Would flooding happen quickly, like a wave, or would it build and subside slowly? How long would the flooding water flow?

  People in Campbell River need to be prepared for water to arrive in 30 to 60 minutes in the event of a major earthquake. Details about where the water may arrive, how quickly, and how deep, is provided in the evacuation map. The duration of the water flow will depend on the type and extent of dam failure. For a better understanding, consider that water storage for the Campbell River system in Upper Campbell Reservoir/Buttle Lake is like the bathtub, Lower Campbell Reservoir is the bucket, and John Hart Reservoir is the tea cup.

• What do we do in the event of an earthquake?

  DROP, COVER & HOLD ON: Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops. Look up and around for any potential dangling or falling hazards before evacuating. Be prepared for aftershocks. If you are inside, leave the building. Once you are outside, look for any other hazards and then quickly move away from the building to your pre-determined safe location.

• How will we know if we should leave the area? Will there be a formal notification to evacuate and where do we go?

  A major earthquake is one that creates severe shaking that will make it nearly impossible to stand up. If you are in the identified flood evacuation area shown in the Earthquake Evacuation Information For The Campbell River Dam System brochure, or near coastal shorelines and you experience a major earthquake, this will be your notification to leave the area. As damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure could be extensive, make sure you have planned for several routes and methods to get you and your family to your pre-determined safe locations and/or area of high ground. Having a radio with you will be useful for keeping up to date with news and other helpful information.

• What do we do AFTER an earthquake if we are in the identified flood/evacuation zone?

  Ensure you have pre-planned routes, both north and south, and get to high ground as quickly as possible. Refer to the evacuation area maps for the city and region to find the areas at of safe elevation (shown in white and green).

• What can we do BEFORE to be better prepared for a major earthquake, and what do we take with us?

  3 Simple Steps:  go to the PreparedBC Website for more information (www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC)

  1. Know the Risk Know if you are in the flood evacuation area (see the city and regional evacuation maps)
  2. Sit down with your family, and at your work or business and PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN. Make sure you consider different times of day and a variety of weather conditions in your emergency plan.
  3. Create a Grab & Go emergency backpack or pull along, and an emergency kit with at least three days of supplies to meet your immediate needs.

  It is important to have emergency supplies that can last for at least three days, and we strongly recommend longer if possible.  As we have seen from Christchurch, New Zealand and Japan, it may take days before anyone can reach you.  We encourage everyone to be prepared for as long as possible.  If you are prepared, you are also in a better position to assist a family member or neighbour who may need help.

• What if I have limited mobility, or have family members with limited mobility?

  Again, this is a good reason to get better prepared now. You need to think about and plan for this before an emergency situation occurs.  Perhaps a neighbour can help and be part of your plan. The Government of Canada has posted an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs at this link:

  • Get prepared - People with Disabilities/Special Needs

• What do we do with pets?

  Ensure you include them in your plan. Create Grab & Go kits for them too.  Emergency Support Services (ESS) will work to establish a Reception Center to provide services to meet your family’s immediate needs and will do what they can to assist you with your pets. ESS considers pets to be dogs, cats, birds and other small animals, but they are not prepared for exotic animals, such as snakes, spiders or other reptiles. You should plan ahead for how you will transport and contain them.

• How will tourists know what to do?

  The emergency program will continue working with its many Campbell River partners to provide education on preparedness in the community and to businesses directly. Many methods will be used to get this important information known, such as working with the Visitor Information Centre, School District and Chamber of Commerce to have brochures available to the public and placed on the City of Campbell River and Regional District websites and through social media. We are also considering placing information signs along the river and in the flood-evacuation area.

• How would buildings, roads, bridges and infrastructure (water, sewer, power and gas lines) be affected in the flood-evacuation zone by a major earthquake?

  While we can’t predict exactly how infrastructure in Campbell River would be affected, in major earthquakes elsewhere, damage has been extensive, collapsing access to bridges and damaging roads, power, sewer and water services and lines. Some low-lying areas may be affected by liquefaction, which can undermine building foundations. (Liquefaction occurs when intense shaking makes the ground turn watery – by pushing the water table to the surface, similar to what happens when you rock your feet in the sand on the beach.

  Considering in advance how infrastructure may be affected will help you create your personal emergency plan, evacuation routes and safe assembly locations.

  As we have seen from other major earthquakes, such as those in Christchurch, New Zealand and Japan, it is important that we are prepared for at least three days, and we strongly recommend longer if possible, as it may take several days before anyone can get to us.  If you are prepared you will be able to help others who may need you.

• How would flooding affect buildings, roads and bridges in the area identified in the CR Dam System Evacuation Area map?

  With BC Hydro's maps now available to the public, it's possible for residents and businesses to understand the level of risk. In the event of a severe storm or a major earthquake, there is a possibility that roads, bridges and key infrastructure could all be under several meters of potentially swift-flowing water, within times shown on the flood-evacuation map. If you are in an identified flood area, you should consider several options for evacuation when creating your family’s emergency plan based on a worst-case scenario.

• Should we plan to drive or walk from the evacuation zone and which route should we take? Would there be any mud or debris in the water? Could we walk through it? Would we be able to use a boat?

  It will depend on the event. It is impossible to determine ahead of time the full scope of damage that may occur from a major earthquake or flood, but we do know that roads, bridges and key infrastructure, such as power lines, would likely be affected. In a flooding event there may be time for RCMP to coordinate evacuation and routes out, but you should not rely on that to happen. Make an emergency plan ahead of time that considers several routes out based on the worst case scenario – and make a plan to help you leave the area before any flooding begins.

• Where should we gather?

  All members of the community should plan to assemble in a safe location after a major earthquake.  If you live or work in the flood-evacuation area, you need to pre-plan to leave that area. Know where high ground is, identify safe locations for you and your family/co-workers, and consider several routes to get to the safe location. Once you are in your pre-determined safe assembly place, use your radio to listen for more information about emergency support facilities.

• What kind of emergency services could we expect in a major earthquake?

  After a major earthquake, the damage would likely be extensive. An Emergency Operations Centre would be established to assess the situation and coordinate support and emergency response by limited local resources.  Since many communities on the coast would also be trying to cope with extensive damage, and waiting for additional supplies and people to help us, it is important that we are prepared and have emergency supplies that will last for at least three days.

  
  

  While emergency responders would attempt to help the community on a priority basis, they would not be able to attend all calls for service immediately.

• What would we have to do to clean up and recover from such a major earthquake or flood? How long would recovery take and where would help come from?

  As emergency response work is underway, the City of Campbell River and Strathcona Regional District would also be planning priorities for road repairs and getting services such as sewer, water and power operating normally. As we have seen from events in Christchurch, New Zealand and Japan, recovery work can take a long time. The local emergency program would be supported by provincial and federal resources, as well as many non-governmental organizations that help with community recovery.

• Will the recovery strategy be shared with residents and business owners?

  In the event of a major earthquake or flood, Campbell River could be one of many communities affected. Priorities to repair community services would be based on the kind of damage caused by the event. Plans would be shared with the community through whatever communication channels are available at the time (through local meetings at emergency support centres, radio broadcasts, or on social media if available).

• Would disaster financial assistance (DFA) be available?

  When the Province of British Columbia declares an event is eligible for disaster financial assistance, a DFA program may provide financial assistance to restore uninsurable private property and/or public infrastructure damaged in the disaster. 

  Assistance may be available to qualifying home owners, residential tenants, small business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations.

• What else should I know about eligibility for funding under DFA?

  Under Emergency Management BC’s current regulations, to be eligible for DFA, damages must be from an event which is uninsurable (an earthquake is insurable).

  Shaking Damage – Insurance will cover damage done by the actual destructive shaking of a structure and therefore is not DFA eligible.

  Flood Damage – Dam breach would be considered overland flooding and is not insurable for individual homes and therefore is DFA eligible.

  • Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80 per cent of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000.
  • A home owner or residential tenant must show that the home is their principal residence. Seasonal or recreational properties and non-essential items such as hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping and luxury items are not eligible for assistance.
  • Small business owners and farm owners must demonstrate it is their primary source of income. Owners of damaged rental property must apply and qualify as a small business.
  • Charitable Organizations must provide a benefit of service to the community at large. 

• Why has the City allowed development in this area?

  Historically, low-lying areas along rivers and other waterways are the focus of community and economic development because of the close proximity to fresh water and transportation, and convenient access for industry to resources such as fisheries and forestry. While consequences of a major earthquake could be immense, the likelihood of such an event is considered low. For this reason, communities on the coast continue to develop, even with the potential for a major earthquake and associated risks of building collapse, flooding, liquefaction (where intense shaking turns the ground watery) and tsunamis.

  The more common risks to development in this part of Campbell River (such as seasonal flooding associate with high water flow) are addressed through building code requirements, zoning, minimum building heights and setbacks from the watercourse.

• Will this new information trigger changes to city planning or zoning, or to the building code or bylaws?

  Provincial building codes have evolved over time to help manage the risk associated with earthquakes – and new buildings and infrastructure are constructed to higher standards based on current data and understanding about earthquake risks.  BC Hydro’s commitment for major upgrades to dams will remove the risks seen today. (Within 20-plus years, dams will all be up to a one in 10,000-year standard.) In the meantime, it’s important to ensure that everyone is informed and prepared to take protective action in the event of a major earthquake or severe storm.

• Will this new information make my insurance go up? Would insurance cover any damage from a major earthquake or flood?

  For questions related to insurance coverage, please contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Direct your questions to the Consumer Information Line for BC: 1-877-772-3777.   

• Will this new information make my property value go down?

  Property values can fluctuate due to regional and world-wide events, the economy and the current real estate market. Property values and property assessment are based on sales (market value), and market interest based on property supply and demand. The clear plan to upgrade the dams and remove the flooding risk should be reflected in real estate values over the long term.

• Would the City consider a plan to buy at-risk properties in the flood-evacuation zone?

  There are no plans to purchase land, other than plans already in place to acquire land for public use (seawalk or waterfront walkways) or environmental purposes (such as Baikie Island).

• What, if any, is the environmental impact of such a catastrophic event?

  In the worst case scenario, we can expect most communities along the entire coast to be affected by a major earthquake, with challenges related to flooding, debris, erosion, sediment flowing into the river and estuary, and damage related to broken sewer, water and power lines, as well as broken transportation links (such as collapsed bridges and repairs required on roads and at the airport).

• Where can I find more information?

  A brochure with maps and other information is posted on the City of Campbell River website (www.campbellriver.ca – under City Services / Public Safety) and on Strathcona Regional District’s website (www.strathconard.ca – under Services / Protective Services). Paper copies of these brochures are available at City Hall, recreational facilities, the Strathcona Regional District office at 301-990 Cedar Street and Strathcona Gardens.

  Public education workshops, hosted by the City of Campbell River, are set for Dec. 11 and 15. Two separate sessions will run on Dec. 11 (one at 2 p.m. and one at 6:30 p.m.) at the Tidemark Theatre. Seating is limited to 400 people per session and will be filled on a first-come basis. A third session at the Tidemark will run on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Presentations by BC Hydro and members of the community emergency preparedness team will provide information on how to prepare for this risk. There is also a session planned for members of the Campbell River Indian Band. A video recording of a community workshop presentation will be posted on YouTube and linked from the BC Hydro, City of Campbell River and Strathcona Regional District websites.

  For general enquiries on emergency preparedness planning please contact Howie Siemens at 250-830-6702 or HSiemens@strathconard.ca, and for questions about BC Hydro’s Campbell River hydroelectric system, please contact Stephen Watson at 250-755-4795 or steve.watson@bchydro.com.

  More information about BC Hydro dam safety is available online at: www.bchydro.com/damsafety

  More information about emergency preparedness is available at: PreparedBC