On June 24, 2026, the provincial and federal governments announced the release of updated floodplain maps for the Bulkley and Skeena rivers in northwestern British Columbia. The maps, developed through a partnership between the B.C. government and Natural Resources Canada, provide more accurate data on flood risks to help communities prepare for potential flooding events.
The updated maps cover areas including Smithers, Telkwa, and Hazelton, using recent LiDAR data and hydrological modeling. Officials stated that the maps are part of a broader effort to improve climate resilience in the region, which has experienced increased flooding in recent years due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
Local governments and emergency planners can use the maps to update land-use plans, set building restrictions, and develop evacuation routes. The project was funded through the National Disaster Mitigation Program, with the B.C. government contributing additional resources.
