How Should the Gorge Waterway Adapt to Rising Sea Levels?
Official title: Gorge Flood Adaptation
Sea levels are rising in Victoria's Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet. Four municipalities—Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, and View Royal—are working together to plan for future flooding. They want to know what places matter most to you and how the area should be protected.
Why This Matters
Live near the Gorge or Portage Inlet? Your property could be at risk from future flooding. Even if you don't live there, this waterway is a popular spot for kayaking, walking, and wildlife watching. The decisions made now will shape what this area looks like for decades.
What Could Change
The four municipalities will develop a Gorge Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy covering the area from the Johnson Street Bridge to Portage Inlet. This could mean new seawalls, raised pathways, restored wetlands, or changes to what can be built near the water.
Key Issues
- Which places along the Gorge and Portage Inlet are most important to protect?
- What experiences and values should guide flood adaptation planning?
- How should the four municipalities coordinate their flood protection efforts?
How to Participate
- Complete the Gorge Flood Adaptation Survey to share why the Gorge matters to you.
- Add a pin to the interactive map to mark your favourite places along the waterway.
- Check the events calendar to join an in-person session.