Gravel Mining, Governance, and the Future of Flood Management in the Lower Fraser River

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In British Columbia’s Lower Fraser River, flood mitigation has long relied on sediment management practices—most notably in-stream gravel mining—to maintain channel capacity and reduce flood risk. These interventions, however, occur within a complex and often fragmented regulatory environment, raising critical questions about their effectiveness, ecological consequences, and alignment with contemporary science. In addition, climate change and intensified development have escalated flood vulnerability across the region, amplifying the need for sustainable, adaptive solutions. This report focused on the gravel reach between Mission and Hope—a segment of the Lower Fraser where sediment deposition is naturally high and gravel removal is most frequent. While gravel mining is routinely justified as a flood protection strategy, this report found limited empirical evidence supporting its long-term efficacy, particularly in comparison to emerging alternatives. The continued reliance on gravel extraction is further complicated by inconsistent permitting practices, limited oversight, and ecological impacts—including streambed dewatering, habitat fragmentation, and salmon mortality