FAQs

Sea Level Rise FAQs

• Q: What is the scientific evidence for global sea level rise?

  A: For more than a century, sea levels have been recorded around the world using tide gauges, and more recently satellite measurements. This data allows us to track global and local trends in sea level. There is large variation between local sea level trends due to regional differences in geological (e.g. post glacial rebound, plate tectonics), and oceanic processes. However, the results of numerous studies from credible, peer-reviewed journals and publicly-funded organizations (such as IPCC, NASA, NOAA) indicate global average sea level is rising. Furthermore, studies have found that the rate of global sea level rise has increased. Therefore, the scientific consensus indicates overall sea level is rising although this will not be experienced equally around the world.  

• Q: How are rising seas part of climate change?

  A: The atmosphere’s warming temperatures cause our ocean’s waters to warm and expand and cause glaciers and ice sheets on land to melt, causing sea level rise. During the 20th century global sea levels rose 17 cm at an average rate of 1.7 mm a year. However, since 1993 this has increased, with sea levels estimated to be rising at over 3 mm a year; and this is projected to continue speeding up. The Province of British Columbia is currently advising that communities plan to adapt to one metre of sea level rise by the year 2100.

  With climate change, more extreme weather events are expected. These two factors coupled could result in more severe storms, higher waves, and flooding.

• Q: If the land is actually rising in some areas, does that counteract sea level rise?

  A: Sea level rise is not felt uniformly around the world, or even within British Columbia. One reason for this is glacial isostatic adjustment: land masses, once depressed by huge ice sheets during glaciation, are in the process of rising again. This is why 2013 data from Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicates that Prince Rupert has seen 9.8 cm/century of sea level rise, while Victoria has seen 3.1 cm/century. Different locations are therefore responding to post-glaciation and rising at different rates. However, isostatic adjustment does not mean BC communities are immune to sea level rise, instead they’re just affected differently over time.

• Q: If global sea level is rising, why does the NOAA tide gauge data show that sea levels in Campbell River are dropping?

  A: Local sea levels are determined by a variety of factors such as, the volume of water in the ocean, plate tectonics, post glacial rebound (where earth previously weighed down by glaciers rises up after the ice melts), and ocean dynamics. When observing local trends in sea level all of these influences must be accounted for. Campbell River experiences annual uplift (vertical land movement) of approximately 4mm as a result of post glacial rebound and plate tectonics. Currently, the rate of global sea level rise is less than the rate of local uplift, resulting in the observed decrease in local sea level. This is helpful, however, the rate of global sea level rise is accelerating. Therefore, in time the rate of sea level rise may be expected to surpass local uplift in Campbell River, leading to a net increase in local sea level. Local uplift has been accounted for in all of the sea level rise risk assessments carried out by the City’s consulting team. 

• Q: When the ice in my glass of water melts, it doesn’t change the overall water level… so how does melting ice cause sea level rise?

  A: Melting sea ice is not a factor contributing to rising sea levels. However, melting glaciers and ice sheets on land are adding significantly more water to the oceans. These ice sheets are normally confined on land and exist yearlong, but with warming temperatures they are quickly melting and the water runs into the ocean. This, coupled with water undergoing thermal expansion as average global atmospheric temperatures increase, are the principal causes of sea level rise.

• Q: Does this mean high tides are getting higher?

  A: With sea level rise, high tide will reach farther inland. Twice a month, during the new moon and the full moon, higher-than-normal tides occur as a result of the sun and moon’s gravitational forces. Although the tidal patterns won’t change, the “base level” of the ocean will be higher. In future, tidal flooding occurring on storm-free days will become more frequent, and more damaging tidal flooding from storm waves and King Tides (the year’s highest) will occur. Floods are expected to become more frequent and last longer as the high tidemark rises with sea level.

• Q: Why are we planning for sea level rise now? And what is the trigger for implementing strategies?

  A: By planning for future sea level rise now, the City will be able to develop an adaptation strategy that will not require immediate, large scale updates to existing infrastructure. Ideally, adaptations will be incorporated as buildings and infrastructure undergo normal reconstruction at the end of their serviceable life. Planning now will also help guide new development, by accounting for future sea level rise in building design and avoiding further development in vulnerable areas. Campbell River already experiences coastal erosion and flooding during severe storms. Sea level rise planning helps address not only future hazards, but those we experience today.    

• Q: How can we prepare and protect property against sea level rise?

  A: There is no single solution to prepare for sea level rise. Approaches include:

  
  
  

  A combination of these approaches will likely be used in Campbell River.

  More specific solutions will be developed and shared for community feedback as we acquire more precise data.

• Q: Will my home be affected by sea level rise?

  A: An assessment of Campbell River’s foreshore will determine the possible future extent of marine flooding. The City will produce detailed maps based on this assessment and make them available for community use.

• Q: How much time do I have to prepare for sea level rise?

  A: The City of Campbell River is planning for sea levels projected for the year 2100. Planning today, can help avoid and minimize potential hazards in the future, and help improve coastal resiliency against winter storms and coastal flooding already experienced in Campbell River.

• Q: How is this related to Hwy19A upgrades and Big Rock Boat Ramp?

  A: Plans for these two projects will consider the future impact of sea level rise. For more information, check out City webpages dedicated to the Hwy 19A and Big Rock Boat Ramp upgrades.

• Q: Can beach rehabilitation help?

  A: In many cases beach rehabilitation can help and this is an option the City will explore where possible. The City has implemented an agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to use the softest possible shore protection measures that will provide protection. Less rigid materials and beach enhancements are used, and the natural boundary of existing shores are protected, to preserve intertidal areas and protect wildlife habitat.

• Q: What are hard and soft approaches for beach rehabilitation?

  A: Hard protection refers to measures that use solid, hard surfaces, such as concrete bulkheads, dikes, rip rap, seawalls, breakwaters, and groynes. Much of downtown Campbell River is armoured by rip rap. Soft protection uses less rigid materials, like vegetation and beach nourishment through the addition of sand or gravel to counteract erosion. It includes the creation or rehabilitation of wetlands and longer shorelines to dissipate wave energy. Ellis Park, along Hwy 19A, and Dick Murphy Park are both examples of soft shore rehabilitation in Campbell River.
  
  

  Soft shore rehabilitation at Dick Murphy Park:
  
  

  
  

  Hard shore rehabilitation at Ostler Park:
  
  

  
  

• Q: Are hard or soft shore approaches better to avoid damages from sea level rise?

  A: In response to sea level rise there is no one solution. A mixture “hard” and “soft” solutions will be used (in conjunction with regulatory tools and land-use changes) where needed based on technical studies and public input.

• Q: How will sea level rise affect beach access and use?

  A: The City recognizes the value of Campbell River’s beaches, and sea level rise does not mean beaches will become unusable. If fact, soft shore approaches to combat marine flooding frequently improve access and the health of the marine environment. An agreement between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the City has been signed to implement soft shore restoration approaches wherever possible to protect recreation and habitat opportunities unique to the community. Some beach and wetland areas could be squeezed or shortened by sea level rise, reducing habitat and recreation, in cases where hard shores are appropriate solutions.

• Q: When will the Ostler Park upgrades be implemented?

  A: In 2015 plans to restore the foreshore at Ostler Park were approved by Council. However, the potential impact of sea level rise has significant implications for the long-term design. The foreshore assessment will include Ostler Park and as the City gets more information about the effects of sea level rise on Campbell River, the Ostler Park plans can be revisited.

• Q: How are property values affected by sea level rise?

  A: Any potential natural risks to property (like fire, earthquakes, and floods) affect its value, and marine flooding and erosion are no exception. Understanding the scale of the threat and choosing the right responses, in the right locations, at the right time will help reduce uncertainty and keep property values stable.

• Q: How do I prepare my home for sea level rise?

  A: If you think your home is at risk of flooding, there are a number of steps you can take to prepare. Refer to the following documents for more information.

  For information on mitigating the effects of coastal flooding on future developments, see FEMA’s Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction. 

  For information on adapting your home and property to mitigate the effects of coastal flooding, see FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting.

• Q: Who will pay for community upgrades?

  A: This is always a challenging issue since the problem does not affect all properties equally.  Each community must decide to what extent the cost of marine protection should be shared by everyone or borne by the owners directly at risk.  This issue will be explored more during public events, once the various options, risks, and high-level costs are known.

• Q: I’ve heard that the City has a land acquisition program. Will the City be buying my waterfront property?

  A: The City has an established waterfront property acquisition program for shoreline access and park purposes, where properties are evaluated and sometimes acquired on a willing-seller basis, when the sale price is fair. It is possible this program will continue, and areas at risk may be prioritized; however, this has not yet been determined.