Innovative Project Tests Nature-Based Flood Protection
The City of Surrey is leading the way in B.C. in testing an innovative, green approach to coastal flood protection known as a ‘living dyke’ with the Mud Bay Nature-based Foreshore Enhancements Project.
Surrey has partnered with the City of Delta and Semiahmoo First Nation on the project. Semiahmoo First Nation has been involved in the project since its inception and has played a key role in informing and guiding the project that is situated within their traditional foreshore territory. The project is valued at $1.4 million and is funded in part by the Province of BC and the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
“I would like to thank our funding partners for making this project possible, and Semiahmoo First Nation for sharing their traditional knowledge on this innovative project,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “By working together, we are able to explore sustainable solutions to protect our communities and vital infrastructure from the impacts of climate change while supporting our environment including the ocean and our rich coastal ecosystem.”
Mud Bay is home to internationally recognized wildlife and unique habitats including mud flats, eelgrass beds and salt marshes. Salt marshes offer natural flood protection, improve water quality, store carbon, and support wildlife but are in danger of disappearing due to coastal squeeze from sea level rise. The living dyke will be created by adding sediment and planting native salt marsh species on the foreshore. More marsh will be planted over time to help the natural marshes lining Boundary Bay adapt to sea level rise. The City will follow an adaptive management approach and monitor the site over time, making adjustments as needed.
“As part of our collective efforts against global climate change, it is crucial that we invest in infrastructure that will protect our communities, wildlife, and the environment. The Government of Canada is proud to support this project that is creating a greener and more sustainable today for a better, safer tomorrow. We remain committed to collaborating with our partners and Indigenous communities to improve the health of the planet and the lives of all Canadians,” said Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey—Newton, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
Various stabilization techniques are being tested including sand berms, oyster shell bags, brushwood dams and rock berms to keep the vegetation in place. The results and lessons learned from the studies will be used to inform the design and construction of the full living dyke project in Surrey which will span 1 km. Construction of the full living dyke is anticipated to take place 2025-27 provided all permits are secured on time and studies are successful.
Learn more at surrey.ca/mudbay.
