Search the EBM Tools Database
Hazard Assessment and Planning
Project Description
Linking natural hazard risk assessment and community planning using a framework called Pathways-DM, which integrates CommunityViz, HAZUS-MH, and LUPM as well as other tools.
How the tool(s) were used in this project
The District of Squamish is located where the ocean meets the mountains in the “Sea-to-Sky” corridor, midway between Vancouver and Whistler. Within commuting distance of greater Vancouver, Squamish has shifted from a reliance on traditional resource-based industries to becoming a fast-growing exurban center, known as the “Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada.”
Squamish is faced with the challenge of managing growth and development in a setting exposed to multiple natural hazards. Located at the confluence of five major river systems at the head of Howe Sound and flanked by a dramatic mountain landscape, Squamish lives in the danger zone of many natural hazards. There are low-probability but high consequence earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; slope stability hazards including a large-debris-flow landslide hazard; periodic flooding; storm surge threats in the downtown waterfront area; and wildfire threats along the interface between built and natural environments.
NRCan developed an assessment framework now known as Pathways-DM (Decision Making). It includes methods of problem framing, priority setting, visualization, and exploration of viable policy alternatives through a process of participatory planning, integrated assessment modeling and formal decision analysis.
The project incorporated a wide variety of data, including geotechnical reports related to flooding and landslide potential, as well as federal government data on earthquakes. NRCan also used HAZUS-MH, a hazard assessment model developed by the US government’s FEMA agency.
The technical use of the tool(s)
The Pathways-DM framework uses a series of nested indicators which are all integrated within CommunityViz®. There are 4 high level decision criteria that align with the National Disaster Mitigation Strategy for Canada: socioeconomic security, public safety, resource efficiency and equity. Within each of these, there are 8 high level indicators (management objectives) and 27 related model parameters for measuring progress toward and/or away from policy goals. All of these were modeled in scenarios that illustrated growth management choices and the associated vulnerability associated with increased populations in certain areas.
The project team used CommunityViz Scenario 360™ for hazard potential analysis, growth analysis, suitability analysis, TimeScope analysis, social vulnerability analysis, and overall integration of analytic results from other modeling tools. CommunityViz SiteBuilder 3D™ and Google Earth were used for landscape visualization and interactive exploration of model results. HAZUS-MH was used for physical vulnerability analysis (damage potential) and loss estimation. Outputs of HAZUS-MH were input into CommunityViz to illustrate risks associated with the future scenarios, and into the USGS Land Use Portfolio Model for a cost-benefit analysis.
Process and methods
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a longstanding research program aimed at reducing risks from natural hazards. One of the program’s objectives is that vulnerability and risk assessment methods will become more widely used for decision-making by agencies responsible for
mitigation and planning. In 2007, NRCan agreed with the District of Squamish to examine the underlying system dynamics driving conditions of natural hazard vulnerability and risk (specifically floods, earthquakes and landslides) in the community, and—very importantly—to study how these conditions will change over time with ongoing growth and development. Partnering with the District gave researchers a deeper understanding of the realities that community planners face. The process built on previous information gathering, comprehensive plans, and long-term vision work undertaken by the District, Smart Growth on the Ground, and it also included project partners TerraCognitoGIS and UBC Design Centre for Sustainability.
Project partners established a working group of District staff, social agencies, educational agencies, emergency response groups, realtors and community members to identify and prioritize community assets at risk, to identify assets that might contribute to resilience, and to discuss considerations for risk reduction strategies. These conversations took place during face-to-face workshops where participants had access to objective hazard information and also brought their own local knowledge and experience to bear on the challenges of risk management for Squamish.
Decision making process
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a longstanding research program aimed at reducing risks from natural hazards. One of the program’s objectives is that vulnerability and risk assessment methods will become more widely used for decision-making by agencies responsible for
mitigation and planning. In 2007, NRCan agreed with the District of Squamish to examine the underlying system dynamics driving conditions of natural hazard vulnerability and risk (specifically floods, earthquakes and landslides) in the community, and—very importantly—to study how these conditions will change over time with ongoing growth and development. Partnering with the District gave researchers a deeper understanding of the realities that community planners face. The process built on previous information gathering, comprehensive plans, and long-term vision work undertaken by the District, Smart Growth on the Ground, and it also included project partners TerraCognitoGIS and UBC Design Centre for Sustainability.
Project partners established a working group of District staff, social agencies, educational agencies, emergency response groups, realtors and community members to identify and prioritize community assets at risk, to identify assets that might contribute to resilience, and to discuss considerations for risk reduction strategies. These conversations took place during face-to-face workshops where participants had access to objective hazard information and also brought their own local knowledge and experience to bear on the challenges of risk management for Squamish.
Management outcomes
NRCan has completed its analysis and will be working with the District of Squamish to explore policy responses that align with the range of identified risk scenarios that the community might face as it grows over the next thirty years. The project is already helping to inform the District as it is drafting a new Official Community Plan with an expanded discussion of anticipated hazards. To reach a broader audience, NRCan intends to publish the framework and case study results for Squamish, results of which may inform ongoing strategies for national and regional risk assessment
throughout Canada.
Sources
See Girling, C., Kellett, R. and Johnstone, S. (2006): Informing Design Charettes: Tools for Participation in
Neighbourhood-Scale Planning; The Integrated Assessment Journal, 6, no 4, pages 109-30.
Project Partners
Key Stakeholders and Participants
- Natural Resources Canada
- District Municipality of Squamish
- Smart Growth on the Ground
- TerraCognito
- University of British Columbia Design Centre for Sustainability
Post new comment