Ocean program – Coastal resilience technology theme

In many locations across Canada, flood risks are expected to escalate over the coming decades as a consequence of increasing urbanization, rising sea levels, declining sea‑ice cover, and shifting weather and precipitation patterns associated with climate change.

Research in this area will focus on improving flood prediction and forecasting systems to support the assessment of potential mitigation options, investment in new infrastructure, and emergency response planning and operations. In many cases, these applications will help improve our ability to plan for, and reduce, losses caused by flood events.

The NRC is working to increase the use of natural and nature‑based approaches to coastal flood and erosion risk management.

Nature‑based systems have the potential to deliver effective flood and erosion protection, in tandem with positive environmental and societal co‑benefits.

Nature‑based solutions take advantage of the inherent capabilities of natural features (i.e. beaches, wetlands, marshes, barrier islands, reefs and headlands) to prevent or mitigate flooding and erosion. Under certain conditions, they are more sustainable and adaptable to a changing environment than conventional, hard shore protection structures. The NRC's research will focus on improving our understanding of the effectiveness and durability of nature‑based features, and developing design tools, guides and standards to promote broader use of nature‑based solutions in Canada.

A main objective of this technology theme is to better understand the impacts of climate change on Canada's coastal and river environments, and to develop technical solutions to help waterfront communities and industries adapt to the changes.

Our research in this area will focus on developing improved methods to predict climate change impacts on water levels, flows, waves and ice conditions in Canadian rivers and coastal waters, including under extreme conditions. We are also working to develop sustainable methods to stabilize eroding shorelines, future‑proof aging infrastructure, manage escalating flood risks, and restore natural shoreline ecosystems.

Canada's coastal infrastructure is a vast network of seawalls, dikes, revetments, breakwaters, wharves, marinas and small‑craft harbours on the nation's ocean and inland coasts. It plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable coastal communities from erosion and flooding, and supports key sectors of Canada's economy including maritime shipping and transportation, fishing, aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, tourism and recreational boating.

Much of Canada's coastal infrastructure is in need of renewal and upgrading due to age, deferred maintenance, and the toll of exposure to rising water levels, storm‑driven hazards, and a changing climate.

Our research in this area will focus on increasing knowledge and developing reliable methods and tools to support the efficient renewal and future‑proofing of existing marine infrastructure, and the sustainable design of new structures.