Abstract

By recognizing the potential threats of climate change, it is essential to evaluate the detrimental effect of sea-level rise on human well-being. Metro Vancouver is a Canadian political subdivision and corporate entity consisting of several coastal cities and is exposed to sea-level changes. This project aims to (1) assess the population change pattern for a five years interval and the sea-level rise in Metro Vancouver, (2) point out the residential area under risk, (3) recommend ten alternative suitable locations for residential development. ArcGIS is applied in this project to perform a hotspot analysis, a sea-level rise analysis, and a multiple criteria evaluation for the study area. As a result, from 2011 to 2016, the population with the greatest increases are clustering around Langley, as well as an area in Coquitlam. Under the 5 meters sea-level rise scenario, Richmond and Delta are overwhelmed by the ocean due to its low elevation. By evaluating the impact of sea-level rise and comparing it to the Metro Vancouver Zoning map, a 1.86 km2 residential area is at risk. According to the multiple criteria evaluation, the City of Vancouver has no suitable alternative areas, which might be due to the population there having already been saturated. The best suitable area is located in West Vancouver, which has the best combination of safe elevation, relatively low population, convenient transport, and a gradual slope. The land value of the best area is reflected by the real estate prices, which if financing is not an issue, the area in West Vancouver is the most worthy area for migration.