BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s Highway 7 Seabird Bluff Slide Recovery Project (TAC Climate Action Achievement Award: 2026 Finalists)

In partnership with McElhanney, Thurber, Tetra Tech, Stantec, Stqo:Ya

The Seabird Bluff Slide Recovery Project was a comprehensive response to the extreme atmospheric river event, which caused widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides across British Columbia in November 2021. Highway 7, a key corridor that connects the Lower Mainland to the rest of Canada, was blocked by 82,000 m³ of debris, isolating communities and disrupting the movement of goods and services. Immediate, short-term works restored traffic and reduced risks, including removing debris, clearing ditches, and building temporary berms. Long-term mitigation planning began in 2022. A climate-resilient debris-flow mitigation system was designed, with a 4-10 m high diversion berm and riprap armouring, and a secondary berm to contain future events. Natural environments were restored by planting more than 5,000 native plants, adding woody debris, and improving fish habitats. Consultations with the First Nations’ Seabird Island Band guided cultural and archaeological protections and access. Long-term resilience and safety were prioritized by improving equipment access routes and signage.

Presenters: Paul Evans, Thurber and Nick Guaran, McElhanney