The government of British Columbia has allocated $3.3 million for flood resilience projects in the Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford, British Columbia, in response to the city’s second significant flood event within four years.
The funding, designated for the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Initiative, will be utilized for structural enhancements and restoration efforts in the agricultural lands of the city. Proposed projects include enhancing water pumping capacity, reconstructing roads, establishing temporary flood storage, implementing fish-friendly infrastructure, and constructing dikes, as stated by Kelly Greene, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness for British Columbia.
Mayor Ross Siemens was not available for immediate comment but expressed via email that while the funding marks a crucial step, it alone is insufficient for the construction of flood mitigation infrastructure. Siemens emphasized the necessity of a solid financial commitment from higher levels of government to execute a comprehensive, large-scale solution.
Recent floods in December inflicted approximately $74 million in insured damages in the Fraser Valley region, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, estimated that around $1.8 billion is needed to safeguard the area effectively.
Chief Dalton Silver of the Semá:th First Nation underscored the significance of considering ecological aspects in the planning process, emphasizing the preservation of fisheries, habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems.
In a separate development, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) announced a $6 billion fund to support local infrastructure upgrades nationwide. The funding, slated to commence in the fiscal year 2026-2027, will provide further specifics, including funding commitments, at a later date.
Minister Greene revealed plans to engage federal officials in flood mitigation strategies during her upcoming visit to Ottawa, stressing the importance of federal participation in the efforts.
The Sumas flood mitigation initiative, endorsed by six entities including the Semá:th, Leq’á:mel, and Máthxwi First Nations, the cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and the government of British Columbia, was established following severe flooding in November 2021.