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Natural Hazards Preparation

The Cowichan Valley is vulnerable to several natural hazards, including flooding, wildfires, windstorms, and debris flows/landslides. Each poses unique risks to people, property, and infrastructure. Learn more about these hazards and how to prepare by expanding the sections below.

Be prepared. Understand and manage the risks.

Being aware of potential hazards and being prepared will help reduce the risks to you and your family. Managing risk means understanding the hazard and taking steps to reduce the consequences. Learn about some of the potential hazards around your home and across the region.

Is there a risk in my area?

View the natural hazard risk- assessment map and reports.

Risk Tolerance Policy and Assurance Process

The CVRD has a Natural Hazard Risk Tolerance Policy to guide land use and development decisions in areas where hazards may present a risk the life and safety of residents. In areas subject to hazards such as landslides, you may be required to hire an engineer or geoscientist to prepare a geohazard risk assessment for your property prior to any development.

The CVRD and Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) have partnered to establish a natural hazard assessment review and assurance process. While the CVRD Assurance Statement Form is comprehensive, it is intended to supplement, not replace, a natural hazard assessment report. The CVRD Hazard Acceptability Thresholds and CVRD Hazard Assurance Guide provide guidelines to support completion of the Assurance Statement.

Are you Prepared? Have a Plan. Make a Kit.

Emergency Management Cowichan

Learn more about emergency preparedness at Emergency Management Cowichan

Land Acknowledgement
The CVRD is in the ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations including (but not limited to) Quw'utsun (Cowichan Tribes), MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), c̓uubaʕsaʔtx̣ (Ts'uubaa-asatx), xeláltxw (Halalt), Spune’luxutth (Penelakut), Stz'uminus, Leey’qsun (Lyackson), Diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Ditidaht) and P’a:chi:da?aht (Pacheedaht) Peoples. Local First Nations Peoples have stewarded the lands of this region since time immemorial. The CVRD is committed to the ongoing journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the region by strengthening cooperation, collaboration, and relationship building.