Earlier this month, I was in Whistler for the Lower Mainland Local Government Association’s annual conference, connecting with local leaders from 30 communities between Hope and Pemberton. We talked about flood risk, what communities need to stay safe, and how to better support residents as waters rise, and the need for fish-friendly flood control.

While there, I visited the stunning Audain Art Museum, nestled in Whistler Village. As I approached, the aluminum house post at the front door caught my attention. Created by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh artist Xwalacktun and titled He-yay meymuy (Big Flood), it reminded me of the ancient flood stories and the big canoe that everyone escaped into and took refuge atop Mt Garibaldi. Then I realized something that surprised me—the museum sits in the floodplain of Fitzsimmons and Blackcomb Creeks.

That hit home. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and quaint tourist shops, it had slipped my mind that Whistler, being in a valley carved by creeks and spring runoff, was in a floodplain. The house post offered a beautiful reminder of place—and of how easy it is to forget our landscapes’ natural rhythms.

It got me thinking: how many of us actually know if we live in a floodplain?

Lina visiting with the house post in the floodplain where the Audain Art Museum is situated.

What is a floodplain?

Floodplains are low-lying areas next to rivers and creeks that absorb overflow during high-water events. They are among the most fertile and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Civilizations have always been drawn to them—for farming, transport, and proximity to water—but building on floodplains comes with risk.

In B.C.’s Lower Mainland, the clues are all around us: incredibly fertile farmland, flat terrain, and a river known for its floods. As development increased, we started building dikes and floodwalls to contain rivers and creeks, cutting them off from their natural floodplains. This also had the effect of blocking off vast areas of prime salmon habitat.

Today, with paved-over wetlands and altered landscapes, it’s harder than ever to tell if you’re living in a flood-prone area. And yet, it’s more important than ever to know.

Understanding your flood risk

Flooding is B.C.’s most costly recurring natural disaster, and it’s getting worse with climate change. Understanding your flood risk can help you stay safe and advocate for smarter flood management—especially solutions that also benefit salmon and the ecosystems we all depend on.

Fitzsimmons Creek Flood 8/30/91 From An Overview of the Study Undertaken to Produce Floodplain Mapping in the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Here are five ways to assess your flood risk:

1. Check B.C.’s flood hazard maps
   Visit the Floodplain Mapping Inventory to see if your area has been mapped.  Municipal websites may also have local floodplain maps—try searching “[Your City] + flood map.”
2. Ask your local government
   City planning or engineering departments can tell you whether your home is in a floodplain, what flood protection infrastructure exists, and whether development rules apply.
3. Review your property documents
   Floodplain status is sometimes noted on titles, survey plans, or sale disclosures. Ask your realtor or check your home purchase records.
4. Talk to your insurance provider
   Even if you’re not required to carry flood insurance, your insurer can usually confirm if your home is in a high-risk zone.
5. Think like water and look for physical or historical clues
   Are you near a river, creek, or lake? Do certain areas pool water during heavy rain, spring melt, or king tides? Ask longtime residents about past floods—or imagine what the land looked like before all the roads and buildings.

From getting informed to taking action

Knowing your flood risk isn’t just about safety—it’s about stewardship. It allows you to:

• Hold governments accountable for flood planning and infrastructure;
• Support nature-based flood solutions that restore wetlands, open up important salmon habitat and give rivers room to move; and
• Prepare yourself and your community for future emergencies.

The house post at the Audain reminded me that beneath Whistler’s polished exterior lies a floodplain shaped by water, time, and story. We may not have a giant canoe to carry us to safety when the water rises, but we do have knowledge—and that’s where preparedness starts.

Let’s start now.