BC STORIES

Year-End Deluge: North Coast B.C. and Haida Gwaii Braced for Continued Flooding

British Columbia’s North Coast and Haida Gwaii face a prolonged flood watch as 2025 ends with record rainfall, straining infrastructure and local emergency services.

Published

9 months ago

December 30, 2025

Current News Room

The Relentless Storms of Late 2025

The final days of 2025 have proven to be some of the most challenging for the communities dotting British Columbia’s rugged North Coast and the expansive wilderness of Haida Gwaii. While much of the province typically looks toward the new year with reflections on the past, residents here are focused on the immediate threat posed by a series of potent atmospheric rivers that have stalled over the region. What began as a standard seasonal shift into the rainy months has escalated into a prolonged hydrological event, forcing provincial authorities to maintain a high-level flood watch that has now stretched into its second week. The sheer persistence of the weather systems has transformed the landscape, turning small creeks into rushing torrents and saturating the soil to the point of instability.

Hydrological Warnings and Geographic Impact

The British Columbia River Forecast Centre has remained steadfast in its assessment, keeping flood watches active for the North Coast, including areas around Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and the Nass Valley, as well as the entirety of Haida Gwaii. Meteorologists note that the sheer volume of water falling on already saturated ground has created a precarious situation. In some higher elevations, the combination of heavy rain and unseasonably warm temperatures has triggered a rain-on-snow effect, where melting snowpacks contribute additional runoff into river systems that are already at or near capacity. For the communities of Skidegate and Masset on Haida Gwaii, the pounding surf combined with high tides has added the risk of coastal erosion and localized flooding in low-lying residential areas to the growing list of concerns. Experts suggest that the cumulative rainfall totals for the month of December are on track to break decadal records, further complicating the recovery efforts for local municipalities.

Infrastructure and Community Resilience

Local infrastructure is being tested to its limits as the region grapples with the environmental onslaught. Maintenance crews have been working around the clock to clear debris from culverts and ensure that drainage systems remain functional despite the overwhelming inflow. Highway 16, the primary artery connecting the coast to the interior, has seen several localized washouts, leading to temporary closures and pilot-car operations that have slowed the movement of goods and services. For many in the region, the isolation is a familiar part of life, but the frequency and intensity of these weather events are beginning to strain even the most resilient emergency response frameworks. Local officials have issued advisories urging residents to avoid riverbanks and stay updated via local radio and digital emergency alerts, as conditions can change in a matter of minutes. Emergency centers have been put on standby, and sandbagging stations have seen steady traffic as homeowners attempt to divert water away from their foundations.

Looking Back at a Year of Environmental Extremes

As 2025 winds down, this current deluge serves as a capstone to a year defined by meteorological volatility across the Pacific Northwest. From the record-breaking heatwaves of the summer to the early onset of autumn storms, the North Coast has been at the front lines of shifting climate patterns. Environmental scientists suggest that the warming of the Pacific Ocean has significantly increased the moisture-carrying capacity of these atmospheric rivers, leading to the types of extreme precipitation events currently being witnessed. The persistence of the flood watch into the final hours of the year highlights the growing necessity for long-term investments in flood mitigation and climate-adaptive infrastructure for remote coastal communities. Public discourse is increasingly shifting toward how these towns can remain viable as the frequency of such 1-in-100-year events seems to increase with every passing season.

The Outlook for the New Year

Looking ahead into the first week of 2026, there appears to be little reprieve on the horizon for the waterlogged residents of the North Coast. Short-term forecasts indicate at least two more significant weather systems are tracking toward the coast before the jet stream is expected to shift significantly. While the intensity of the rainfall may fluctuate, the cumulative impact of the previous weeks ensures that the flood risk will remain elevated well into January. Hydrologists are monitoring the peaks of the Skeena and Nass Rivers with particular concern, as any further surges could lead to significant overtopping. For now, the people of the North Coast and Haida Gwaii remain on high alert, demonstrating the same strength and community spirit that has seen them through countless storms before, even as they navigate one of the wettest and most turbulent year-ends in recent memory.

BC STORIES

Caucus Split Grows as Three More B.C. Conservative MLAs Depart Ahead of Potential Election

Three B.C. Conservative MLAs have departed the caucus, legislative officials confirm, as internal leadership disputes surface ahead of a potential provincial election.

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2026

Current Editor

Legislature Office Confirms Caucus Changes

The office of the B.C. legislature clerk has verified that three additional MLAs have ended their affiliation with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. Notification was submitted to the Office of the Speaker on Friday, Sept. 18, regarding Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford.

Following the legislative confirmation, B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay released a public statement confirming the immediate removal of all three politicians from the caucus. Findlay framed the decision around preparations for a potential upcoming provincial election, stating the party must concentrate fully on challenging the ruling NDP government under Premier David Eby.

Rattée Challenges Removal and Cites Internal Scrutiny

In response to the announcement, Rattée issued a detailed statement on social media rejecting the attempt to remove her and confirming her intention to remain in her position. She argued that as an elected MLA, Findlay lacks the authority to strip caucus membership from elected team members.

Rattée pointed to a broader trend of internal caucus friction, noting that nine MLAs have departed the party since mid-August while raising concerns about leadership. Her statement highlighted accusations involving offers of paid positions in exchange for seat resignations, controversy surrounding senior staff, and reports that a senior party official engaged a private investigator to monitor current and former MLAs. Rattée confirmed she was informed by the party that she had been targeted in the investigation, calling the move a severe lapse in judgment on the eve of a potential snap election call.

Former Interim Leader and Colleagues Prepare Next Steps

Halford also shared a brief update on social media, reflecting on his previous tenure as interim leader during a period of party growth. He stated that he intends to run again in his riding of Surrey-White Rock if an election is called and indicated he would release further details shortly. Rustad noted on X that a formal press release would be issued soon.

BC STORIES

Why B.C. Centrists Are Uniting Under Peter Milobar as Election Speculation Grows

Peter Milobar assumes leadership of Centre B.C. as eight sitting MLAs unify to present a centrist alternative ahead of a potential B.C. election.

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2026

Current Editor

Political Consolidation Ahead of Potential Snap Election

In a move to prevent splitting votes among centrist options, eight sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly have unified under the Centre B.C. banner. Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar announced Friday in Vancouver that he is assuming the leadership of the party, supported by outgoing leader Mike Bernier, a former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister who stepped down to facilitate the transition.

The caucus consolidation brings together former B.C. Conservative MLAs who left the party following disagreements with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, alongside independent representatives. Milobar took the helm alongside Bernier and six other MLAs—Bruce Banman, Teresa Wat, Donegal Wilson, Á’a:líya Warbus, Rosalyn Bird, and Elenore Sturko. A eighth caucus member, Delta South MLA Ian Paton, was unable to attend the announcement due to a scheduled vacation but remains fully committed to the party, according to Milobar.

Focus Areas and Electoral Strategy

Addressing the party’s platform, Milobar stated that Centre B.C. will be “hyper-focused” on healthcare, climate action, and public safety on municipal streets. The party intends to field candidates across British Columbia if a provincial election is called. Bernier noted that discussions regarding the leadership transition and political alignment had been underway for several weeks, with public polling indicating that 51 per cent of British Columbians are seeking an alternative to the primary political parties.

Speculation Over Provincial Election Timing

The leadership shift comes amid growing speculation that Premier David Eby may trigger an early election less than two years into his current mandate. Political parties had originally envisioned an autumn launch on the steps of the legislature on Oct. 5 for the start of the fall session. However, shifting timelines have accelerated party preparations across the province.

An early provincial election call could overlap with municipal elections scheduled for Oct. 17. The potential timing has raised procedural concerns; Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay has requested the premier delay any provincial call, pointing out that an active provincial campaign alongside the ongoing Abbotsford-Mission byelection running until Sept. 26 would require Elections BC to halt administrative paperwork for other political entities seeking registration.

BC STORIES

Why B.C. Municipalities Are Demanding Action on Street Safety and Social Services

B.C. local leaders sign a Contract with Communities at UBCM, demanding provincial action on public safety, addiction, housing, and justice system funding.

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

Current Editor

Local Leaders Urge Provincial Action

Municipal leaders across British Columbia signed a “Contract with Communities” on Sept. 17 during the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver, pressing the province for immediate solutions to crime, addiction, and public disorder.

Organized following a Save Our Streets (SOS) survey that indicated half of British Columbians fear for their safety, the document outlines five specific demands directed at senior government. SOS co-founder Jess Ketchum stated during the event that local leaders want senior governments to properly fund and manage initiatives that address street disorder.

Mayors Highlight Strain on Local Resources

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto noted that local governments have spent millions of dollars attempting to fill systemic gaps in housing, mental health, and addiction supports, describing the current situation as unsustainable. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West urged the province to act swiftly, stating that municipal officials need immediate results on local streets rather than repeated annual requests.

Addressing the demands, Minister Housing and MLA Ravi Kahlon emphasized that addressing these complex issues requires cooperation from all levels of government, citing recent joint efforts to clear homeless encampments in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince George.

The Five Critical Demands

The contract calls on the province to execute five core actions:

1. Ensure safe public spaces: Establish provincial policies that prevent homeless encampments on public land or near businesses when shelter beds are available.

2. Move beyond harm reduction: Provide immediate detoxification beds within Health Ministry facilities across all communities.

3. Properly locate low-barrier services: Set publicly posted operational standards for provincially funded harm reduction and low-barrier housing to ensure surrounding neighborhoods are protected, closing facilities that fail to comply.

4. Prioritize addictions and mental health: Establish government-operated regional treatment services across the province this year.

5. Fully fund the justice system: Provide sufficient funding for judges, sheriffs, crown prosecutors, and correctional staff to ensure criminal accountability.

SOS co-founder Clint Mahlman stated that the province must move past decades-old strategies and work directly with local elected officials who understand their communities best.