What is a Tiger Dam? Crews build blockade across Highway 1 to hold back floodwaters in Abbotsford, B.C.
Extensive efforts were made over the weekend and early this week to hold back floodwaters in Abbotsford, B.C., including the use of a Tiger Dam along Highway 1.
Drone video shared by B.C.'s transportation ministry shows crews working on the dam, which is a long, orange tube filled with water.
According to U.S. Flood Control, which manufactures the product, Tiger Dams are meant to be flexible and can be stacked in a pyramid to created a barrier against rising water. The company says the tubes can be stacked nearly 10 metres high "and linked together seamlessly for miles."
In Abbotsford, a Tiger Dam was used along Highway 1 near Cole Road to hold back floodwaters from Sumas River.
According to the transportation ministry, local police, fire departments, workers from an Indigenous construction company and the military all worked to construct the dam overnight Sunday and pile sandbags alongside it. The temporary structure was completed at about 4 a.m. Monday.
In a flood update Tuesday, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said officials are "very confident" in the Tiger Dam and the dike repairs in the city.
Highway 1 through Abbotsford was closed because of the dam and the risk of flooding. No reopening estimate has been given, but the region is expected to see the third in a trio of atmospheric rivers on Tuesday.
Drivers are being warned that conditions could change on all highways with the incoming heavy rain.
"Unless it is absolutely necessary, I would encourage you to stay off the roads through this next storm event," Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.