Abbotsford city staff to present options for flood mitigation in Sumas Prairie

Staff with the City of Abbotsford willpresent a report to city council outlining options to address flood mitigation in the Sumas Prairie, an area devastated by floods late last year.

A presentation set to go to council Monday will outlineanumber of optionsto build infrastructure to reduce the impact of flooding.

One option is a$209-million plan thatincludesenhancements to theBarrowtown Pump Station, which was nearly swamped by floodwaters.

Another option wouldincludeenhancements to the Barrowtown station as well as building a new Sumas River pump station, atan estimated cost of$1.297 billion.

The 100-year-old decision that contributed to Abbotsford, B.C., flooding

3 years ago

Duration 2:29

More than 100 years ago, a lake outside what is now the Abbotsford, B.C., area was drained to create lucrative farmland. Many say that decision is a big contributor to the devastating flooding.

Two other options also meet provincial flood protection guidelines, the city notes:one features an added floodway and storage area, enhancements to the Barrowtown Pump Station and a new Sumas River pump station.

The otherincludes an added narrow floodway, enhancements to Barrowtown Pump Station,a new Sumas River pump station and more new pump stations. Both options have a price tag in excess of $2.4 billion.

The city said in a statement thatresidents, businesses and neighbouring governments will have the chance to learnmore about each option and share their feedback in the months ahead.

Conversations with Sem:th, Mthexwi and Leq':mel First Nations leadership, have begunaccording to the city.Provincial and federal governments, the City of Chilliwack, Fraser Valley Regional Districtand officials in Washington state will also be consulted.

Last month, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun saidhe is "optimistic" after the governments of Washington state and British Columbia announced a cross-border proposal to develop a new flood prevention and response plan for the Nooksack River.

The city in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouverwas significantly affected by floods in November, withhundreds forced to fleetheir homes andbillions of dollars in damageto farms in the low-lying Sumas Prairie area of the city.