$19 million investment to fortify Fraser River bank and Matsqui Dike against erosion
ABBOTSFORD — In an effort to safeguard the Fraser River bank and most importantly, the Matsqui Dike from the looming threat of erosion, the governments of Canada and British Columbia, in collaboration with the City of Abbotsford, are injecting over $19 million into a stabilization project.
The initiative, announced by Cloverdale—Langley City MP John Aldag, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen, and Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens is meant to combat climate-induced challenges. The Matsqui Dike, nestled within the Sumas First Nation’s traditional fishing grounds, serves as a protective barrier for the Matsqui First Nation.
The project is addressing flooding and erosion concerns by fostering collaboration between the Sumas First Nation, the City, and the Province. By integrating Indigenous knowledge, engineering, and environmentally sustainable solutions, the initiative aims to mitigate the risk of Fraser River flooding resulting from a Matsqui Dike breach. Simultaneously, it is expected to result in improvement to fishing sites and fish habitats.
Mayor Ross Siemens says the project will protect land, homes, farms, and vital infrastructure along with the people who live in the area. ‘While much focus has been on Sumas Prairie following the 2021 flooding event, the damage that would be caused by a Matsqui Prairie flood would be even more devastating, which is why the City has spent years advocating for support in this area and we are eager to get this work started.”
The project’s multifaceted design aligns with the broader goal of addressing climate change-induced challenges. By fortifying the Matsqui Dike against erosion, the initiative seeks to curtail the escalating risk posed by climate change, offering an important layer of defense against potential breaches.
The federal government is investing $7,263,320 in the project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The provincial government is investing $10,800,000, and the City of Abbotsford is contributing $1,028,866.
A news release announcing the project states that making adaptation investments now will have major economic benefits later. It claims every dollar invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.