Province announces $1.6 million funding for flood mitigation

ABBOTSFORD — The Province has announced $1.6 million in new funding to support flood mitigation work in the aftermath of last November’s devastating floods through Sumas Prairie.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth made the announcement this afternoon (Nov. 10) in Abbotsford. Flanked by Abbotsford Mayor Ross Seimens and Sema:th First Nation Chief Dalton Silver, Farnworth said, “(I am) pleased to announce that the City of Abbotsford with the support of the Sumas First Nation, is now moving forward with permanent repairs to Sumas dike.”

Farnworth indicated the funding will be allocated from the province’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program. He says permanent repairs to the dike should be completed by the end of the month.

The DFA has now poured $41 million into supporting ongoing debris and sediment removal from Fraser Valley rivers and canals. The work is being done along the Sumas River, Clayburn Creek, Kilgard Creek and the Vedder Canal. The work includes increasing the capacity of the waterways as well as replacing and improving culverts.