Emergency Dike along the Coldwater River (Image credit: CFJC Today)

By Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Protecting our communities from flooding

Mar 27, 2024 | 10:30 AM

THE DEVASTATING FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES in November 2021 were incredibly challenging and frightening for people, especially throughout the Fraser Valley. We have learned a lot about flood mitigation and emergency preparedness since, including the importance of working together with local communities and First Nations. We know how important it is to build community resilience and safeguard communities against the growing effects of climate change.

That’s why this week our provincial government announced B.C.’s new Flood Strategy alongside an investment of $39 million for more than 50 local disaster-risk reduction and climate-adaptation projects in communities around the province.

We have worked closely with First Nations and local governments to draft the new Flood Strategy and we thank them for their contribution. The strategy will focus on understanding flood risks through floodplain mapping and risk assessment, strengthening community partnerships, and where possible, working to prevent flooding before it happens.

Since 2017, our government has invested over $200 million in flood risk reduction measures, and this strategy will lay the foundation for continued work and action, building stronger and more flood-resilient communities.

One great example of how this project is supporting communities is a project happening in my own region at Leq’a:mel First Nation. The First Nation and the provincial government are partnering to invest in a weather station and water-level sensors. By monitoring water levels and weather patterns over time, people in the community will be able to identify early flood risks and better prepare for future emergencies. This project will also support research and education on the local impacts of climate change.

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This is one of many projects we’ve supported across my own region and in regions across the province through the CEPF program. For example, the program provided $1.8 million dollars in Kamloops last July for creek channel stabilization. It also builds on other important flood infrastructure projects such as significant upgrades to the Barrowtown Pump in Abbotsford, which is integral to protecting people, homes, and infrastructure in case of flooding in B.C.’s Sumas Prairie.

Every community, and every creek, river and stream, is unique. By supporting local governments and communities to plan what works best for them, we can keep people safer during flooding events.

I will always remember the havoc caused by the 2021 atmospheric river, and the way the community and all levels of government came together afterwards. I appreciate the discussions I’ve had with neighbours, subject experts, First Nations, and individuals throughout the province to better understand how we can best prepare our communities for future extreme weather events.

In addition to funding for emergency preparedness, the BC Flood Strategy is an important and necessary step in safeguarding our communities from future flooding events. Climate change poses immense challenges, and it is a top priority for our government to keep people and communities safe. Our team is committed to making sure that everyone in B.C. is prepared and supported to navigate climate-related emergencies.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.