As part of the public safety funding announced in February 2016, the Province is committing $7.65-million in funding towards upgrading the Coquitlam dike and protecting homes and land at risk of flooding from high water levels in the Pitt River.

The project will result in the 65-year-old dike, located on the west side of the Pitt River and north of the DeBoville Slough, being raised to current standards. This will mitigate flood risk to about 330 hectares of land, of which 95% is in the Agriculture Land Reserve, and also residences and properties in the area.

This funding is part of a collaboration between the province and the City of Coquitlam to transfer the dike operations and maintenance to the city by the year 2017.

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.

Leading up to the February 2016 announcement, B.C. had invested significantly in flood mitigation and prevention.

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).

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto -

"The B.C. government values the public safety of all British Columbians. That's why the government is investing $7.65 million dollars towards upgrading the Coquitlam dike. Our collaborative work with the City of Coquitlam will help limit risk to our citizens and valuable agricultural land that could be exposed to flooding in the unfortunate event a disaster strikes."

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson -

"The upgrading of the Coquitlam dike to current standards will help protect local homes and land from flooding. It will limit economic losses caused by a flood and protect property, infrastructure and the environment."

MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, Linda Reimer -

"We enjoy the economic and quality-of-life benefits associated with British Columbia's rivers and lakes, and the ocean. But with that, we also need to be aware of the real potential waterways pose for flooding and associated risks to public safety. By substantially investing in critical infrastructure, we are taking proactive steps to keep communities and people safe."

Mayor of Coquitlam, Richard Stewart -

"The City of Coquitlam looks forward to working collaboratively with the province to improve flood protection to the farmers and residents along the DeBoville Slough and Pitt River. An important first step will be working with the province to ensure that the dikes are fully upgraded to current agricultural standards before they are transferred to Coquitlam."

Quick Facts:

• Once complete, the upgraded dike will be 4.6 kilometres long and 4.4 metres high.
• The Coquitlam dike is located on the west side of the Pitt River and north of the DeBoville Slough.
• The vast majority of the land (more than 95%) is within the Agriculture Land Reserve.

Learn More:

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