Transportation and Transit
As part of the public safety funding announced in February 2016, the Province is committing $15.52 million in funding toward two flood mitigation projects in the City of Surrey that will protect thousands of homes, landmark institutions, and business and industries employing thousands of people.
Minister of State for Emergency Management, Naomi Yamamoto, announced the funding today for the two dike upgrade projects. An additional $10.06 million is committed by the City of Surrey toward the construction project.
The first project will raise the height of the Fraser River dike from 130 Street to Bolivar Creek uplands, ultimately leading to better flood protection along approximately 2,000 metres of the Fraser River. The protected area of land includes 776 hectares, consisting of a high-density mix of industrial, commercial and residential properties housing 3,600 residents and providing almost 6,000 jobs.
Transportation infrastructure critical to the entire region that will be better protected from flood closure as a result of the project includes the following: King George Boulevard; Pattullo Bridge approach; Scott Road; Scott Road Sky Train Station; Canadian National Railway bridge crossing; Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway; Southern Railway of British Columbia; and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. All of these would be affected were a dike breach to occur.
Other utilities, such as fibre optic lines, key gas mains and large water supply lines may also be affected. The economic impact resulting from losing access to Vancouver Fraser Port lands, three railways and the Pattullo Bridge would extend well beyond the City of Surrey, as these facilities are critical to the region’s transportation networks.
The funding for the second project will result in five kilometres of the Colebrook Dike being upgraded from Delta to King George Boulevard and is part of collaboration between the Province and the City of Surrey to transfer the dike operations and maintenance to the city. As well, the Colebrook pump station will be reconstructed.
Nearly 700 hectares of agricultural land is protected by the dike.
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).
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto –
“Our government values the public safety of all British Columbians. Anything we can do to identify risk and prepare for risk is a step in the right direction. That’s why our government is investing in flood mitigation projects around the province. We are happy to work collaboratively with communities to help limit risk our citizens could be exposed to in the unfortunate event a disaster strikes.”
MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Stephanie Cadieux –
“We enjoy the economic and quality-of-life benefits associated with British Columbia’s waterways. But with that, we also need to be aware of the real potential for flooding and the associated risks to public safety. By substantially investing in infrastructure, we are taking proactive steps to keep communities and people safe.”
MLA for Surrey-Panorama, Marvin Hunt –
“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the City of Surrey to improve flood protection for our citizens. By investing in infrastructure, we are taking steps to keep communities like Surrey safe from flooding and protecting important ecosystems in our parks and waterfronts. In protecting our homes, schools and other public infrastructure, we improve on our overall public safety and disaster preparedness.”
Mayor of Surrey, Linda Hepner –
“The City of Surrey is proudly committed to working with our provincial partners for the safety of our citizens, community and transportation corridors. The projects announced today, along with the ongoing development of our Coastal Flood Protection Strategy, will ensure the city has the plan and infrastructure in place to manage extreme events and adapt to a changing climate.”
Quick Facts:
- The City of Surrey Fraser River floodplain is protected by a series of dikes, drainage canals and pump stations.
- The Fraser River dike project will protect 776 hectares of land consisting of a high‐density mix of industrial, commercial, and residential properties housing 3,600 residents and providing almost 6,000 jobs.
- Some of the key features protected include:
- 57 hectares of residential lands;
- 120 hectares of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority lands, and
- 90 hectares of CNR rail yards.
- Major transportation corridors and nodal centres for rail, transit and roads
- Utilities such as fibre optic lines, key gas mains and large water supply lines
- Economic damage value in case of a dike breach is estimated at $1.9 billion.
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
