SURREY has received national recognition for its Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy project from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA). The City has been presented with the 2020 CAMA Environment Award, in the 100,000+ population category, during a Virtual Awards of Excellence Ceremony.
“CAMA is pleased to recognize Surrey for its flood adaptation strategy,” said Jake Rudolph, President of CAMA and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Nanaimo, B.C. “This project will help the city prepare for a new reality of coastal flooding risk.”
As the climate changes, coastal communities like Surrey can expect more flooding due to storm surge and sea level rise. By the end of this century, Surrey’s coastline may be a metre or more higher than it is today. Understanding the importance of these changes, Surrey developed a Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) to keep its communities safe, healthy, and resilient.
CFAS identified the current and potential future impacts of climate change on Surrey’s coastal floodplain area and developed short-term actions and long-term strategic directions to reduce coastal flooding risks, now and into the future.
In developing CFAS, Surrey followed an innovative, five-phase planning process which included value-based, community-driven decision-making, supplemented with sound engineering analysis. Protecting wetland habitats and riparian areas while seeking ways to enhance the natural environment was a key value.
Developed over three years, CFAS engaged over 2,000 residents and stakeholders including First Nations, farmers, environmental groups, governments, and private industry.
“This award is an illustration of Surrey’s commitment to partnering with the community in tackling difficult issues such as climate change adaptation,” said Vincent Lalonde, City Manager, City of Surrey. “Our comprehensive CFAS plan will ensure our communities, environment and key infrastructure are protected now and into the future. We thank the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators for acknowledging these achievements.”
“The scope of projects, from large and small municipalities right across this country, amazed our judging panel,” said Tony Kulbisky, Chair for the 2020 CAMA Awards Jury, CAMA representative for Alberta and Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Devon, Alberta. “A total of 36 awards submissions were received and I extend my congratulation to the winners and all those who took the time to enter a submission.”
The 2020 CAMA Awards of Excellence were supposed to be presented at the CAMA National Conference, scheduled for the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, from June 1-3, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the conference was cancelled, and the awards presented virtually instead.
To find out more about Surrey’s award, as well as the other 2020 CAMA Awards of Excellence winners, visit www.camacam.ca/awards and look for the award recipients link.
