CVRD Launches King Tides Story Map to Visualize Rising Sea Levels

 Duncan, BC – The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is launching a King Tides Story Map to visualize rising sea levels due to climate change. This online map is a place for residents of the Cowichan Region to share their coastline photos of the King Tides taking place in early January. Access the tool from the quick link at cvrd.bc.ca/environment.

The highest tides each year are known as King Tides. Rising sea levels mean the King Tides of today will be considered normal tides in years to come. Imagine storm surges and high tides on top of this and you can start to imagine the potential for flooding and erosion.

To help us understand what rising sea levels will look like in our region, the CVRD has developed a King Tides Story Map. This online tool shows areas projected to be impacted by rising sea levels and allows residents to upload and view photos taken along the coast during the King Tides. We have identified some potential photo locations and uploaded some photos from the high tides in December.

To participate in the project, simply go for a morning walk along the coast between January 3 and 8, take some photos, and upload them to the map. If you use a smartphone, you can take and upload the pictures simply by clicking the ‘Share your Photos’ button on the map.

2018 King Tides

January 3 – 7:00 a.m.

January 4 – 7:40 a.m.

January 5 – 8:25 a.m.

January 6 – 9:05 a.m.

January 7 – 9:40 a.m.

January 8 – 10:20 a.m.

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For more information, please contact:

Kate Miller

Manager, Environmental Service

250.746.2509

kmiller@cvrd.bc.ca