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City seeking input on a Sea Level Rise Management Plan

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 17, 2026 9:00 AM

Summary

As a coastal city, Nanaimo is at risk from rising sea levels and coastal flooding. The City is launching Our Coastal City, a project that will increase understanding and management of sea level risks. The result of this study project will be the development of a Sea Level Rise Management Plan for the City of Nanaimo.

Our Coastal City, will build on work completed during an earlier study, which identified areas within Departure Bay, Duke Point, Downtown and Protection Island as being vulnerable to future coastal flooding. Working with Snuneymuxw First Nation and in conjunction with the Regional District of Nanaimo's Our Changing Coast project, the plan will help the City better understand the extent and likelihood of flood risk in the identified areas and suggest ways the community can work together to reduce coastal flooding risk.

Nanaimo residents can help the City understand how the coast can be protected by completing a coastal values survey between February 17 to March 13, 2026. Visit the Our Coastal City page on Get Involved Nanaimo to participate and learn more.

The project is funded by grants from the British Columbia Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Link to Strategic Plan: Developing a Sea Level Rise Management Plan is included in the City of Nanaimo’s Integrated Action Plan as a priority action (C1.2.12).

Key Points

  • Sea level rise caused by climate change is increasing total ocean water levels over time, which, if combined with more intense winter storms, may result in coastal flooding. By completing the plan now, Nanaimo will be prepared to protect new and existing development from coastal hazards.
  • The City of Nanaimo is working on a Sea Level Rise Management Plan, which will identify vulnerable coastal areas and recommend solutions to protect our shoreline.
  • Check out the Our Coastal City Get Involved webpage to learn more and complete the survey.

Quotes

"While sea level rise projections can seem scary, especially for a coastal city such as Nanaimo, the good news is we have time to prepare. By planning for it now, we can be ready for future impacts. I encourage Nanaimo citizens to participate in this process and provide their feedback."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"For Snuneymuxw, planning for rising tides includes recognizing that climate and storm events can disturb contaminated sediments and release legacy toxins into shoreline areas, increasing risks to marine ecosystems, seafood and public health. We are committed to working together to find meaningful solutions."

Michael Wyse
Chief
Snuneymuxw First Nation

Quick Facts

  • The 2018 sea level rise study predicts sea levels will rise 0.88m by 2100 in the Nanaimo area.
  • The City of Nanaimo has a development permit area for sea level rise. Prior to building, future development in this area requires consideration of coastal flooding impacts.
  • Coastal impacts are already happening today, often during high tides, King Tides, or storm surges, leading to flooding and shoreline erosion. As sea levels continue to rise, these events are expected to become more frequent, more severe and affect larger areas.
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

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