As part of the public safety funding announced in February 2016, the Province is committing $550,000 in funding toward a flood mitigation project in Delta that will reduce the risk of property damage.

Scott Hamilton, MLA for Delta North made the announcement today on behalf of Minister Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness.

The $825,000 project includes a $275,000 contribution from the Corporation of Delta. The combined funding will help Delta upgrade the foreshore and seawall protecting over 2,000 residents in areas that have been hit by frequent flooding.

Delta is embarking on two projects that will mitigate flood risk arising from high tides, storm surges and wind driven waves. In the Beach Grove area the city will replace a section of deteriorating seawall that has developed large cracks.  The second area targeted for mitigation is a 450 metre section of dike in Boundary Bay at the southern end of 96th Street, where the city will install large rip rap material to minimize debris deposits and damage from storms.

In February 2016 the B.C. government announced $65 million to help keep communities safe, including $15 million for public safety preparedness and $50 million for community hazard-mitigation projects, such as upgrades to dikes and flood protection.

Since 2008, the Province has invested in 156 projects worth $145 million total ($62 million provided provincially, $46 million federally, and $37 million in funding from local authorities).

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto –

“Our government is working to improve the public safety of all British Columbians. That’s why our government is investing in flood mitigation projects throughout the province including these important projects in Delta where we know the flood risk is high. We are happy to work collaboratively with the Corporation of Delta to help limit risk our citizens could be exposed to in the unfortunate event a disaster strikes.”

Scott Hamilton, MLA for Delta North –

“By investing now into these projects we are minimizing the risk of damage to homes in an area we know gets the brunt of Mother Nature. This is a good return on investment for the province and will increase public safety and security to citizens living in the area.”

Mayor of Corporation of Delta, Lois Jackson –

“This funding will not only strengthen our defences against unforeseen weather events, it will also mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen our community by providing safety, economic security, and peace of mind to our residents and businesses.”

Quick Facts:

• A storm in February 2006 topped the high water level mark on the beach and sea water was carried through Delta’s beach accesses and private front properties on to Centennial Parkway. Delta’s storm and sanitary sewers were overwhelmed and public and private property damage resulted. Waves carrying large amounts of woody debris caused erosion to the dike in East Delta. The storm and resulting damage was so severe that the council declared a state of emergency and Delta’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated.
• The Beach Grove project is to be complete by the end of September 2016 and the Boundary Bay project by the end of April 2017.
• Both Beach Grove and Boundary Bay areas are at risk of flooding from high tides and storms.
• In 2014 the area was put in a state of emergency when a combination of high winds and tides battered the shores, causing localized flooding and the collapse of a private seawall.

Learn more:

BC Government flood prevention and planning: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/flood-protection-and-planning