Image: BC Govt. / Flickr / Aerial view of some of the flooding in Abbotsford - taken November 22, 2021

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Flood protection

Mayor Braun issues Abbotsford flood infrastructure recovery work update

Oct 24, 2022 | 3:12 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The mayor of Abbotsford says work is continuing to move ahead to prevent another flood disaster similar to last November’s flooding through Sumas Prairie. In an email message to the public, Henry Braun is reassuring residents as the anniversary of the 2021 flood approaches.

Braun says the warm fall extended the traditional irrigation season in the region. That meant water levels were higher than in a normal September in the Sumas River, irrigation ditches and canals. In turn, the situation delayed some of the work planned for the start of fall. However, the planned work is now underway and expected to be complete by the end of November.

Braun says temporary repairs that were made to the main dyke breach held up well, although there was some seepage during the highest water levels. Full repair work will commence this week and will see concrete/bentonite vertical panel walls installed in the dyke. The work will require the public closure of the Sumas Dyke Trail between McDermott Road and No. 3 Road. The closure begins tomorrow (Oct. 25).

Sediment and debris removal work has been completed in Clayburn Creek, McKay Creek, and along the Sumas Canal at Highway 1, which will safely allow for higher water volumes in the future. Repairs related to the landslide that threatened the water transmission line from Norrish Creek are nearly complete now. Braun says the city is continuing to work in partnership with the provincial government on the repairs and funding.

Braun says the council-approved long-term flood mitigation option is still in front of the provincial government. The plan calls for the addition of a Sumas River pump station which should reduce the risk of major flooding in the future. He remains hopeful the province will act quickly to approve and fund the option quickly.

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As the anniversary of last year’s historic flooding approaches, Braun is reminding Abbotsford residents the region is in a better position to deal with high water this year. He says dykes have been raised and reinforced to offer better protection for residents of the region.