Working to keep the Fraser Valley safe from flooding doesn’t stop at the Canada-United States border.
In the aftermath of the 2021 flood, our previous and current City Councils have been advocating to senior levels of government for enhanced flood resiliency infrastructure. On Feb. 14, the BC government responded by investing $76.6 million into needed resiliency upgrades to the Barrowtown Pump Station.
But while our relationship with our provincial and national partners is important, our neighbour to the south also plays a very significant role in addressing the issue of flooding. The Nooksack River, which is located in Sumas, Washington, flooded in 2021 causing the majority of the flooding that impacted the residents of Sumas Prairie. Those living in Sumas, Washington also experienced devastating impacts from the flood waters.
On Feb. 22, Mayor Siemens met virtually with Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch, and the following day he welcomed US Consul General Jim DeHart to City Hall. Among the items up for discussion with both leaders were flood infrastructure and the importance of cross-border trade and travel.
Mayors Siemens and Bosch found they had a lot in common and talked about the impacts of the 2021 flood and gained a better understanding of what happens on the ground and how we will be moving forward. They also touched on the importance of good relations between neighbours.
Mayor Siemens and Consul General DeHart discussed our common history and the importance of our trade routes and shared truck and rail crossing, as well as the progress of the Transboundary Flood Initiative, a collaborative framework designed to find and implement long-term flood mitigation and habitat restoration solutions to protect communities on both sides of the border.
Flooding is a regional issue, and it requires regional co-operation. We will continue working with our partners at all levels to improve our community’s flood resiliency.
Abbotsford City Council