Evacuation order lifted for 400 properties in Abbotsford, B.C., as flood cleanup continues
Hundreds more flood evacuees are being allowed to return home to the Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford, B.C., as the city continues cleaning up from last month's catastrophic flooding.
Mayor Henry Braun announced Wednesday that rapid damage assessments have been completed for houses, barns and garages in the southern Sumas Prairie, allowing officials to lift an evacuation order for 400 properties.
"Ensuring the safety of our residents is our priority," Braun said.
About 200 homes still remain under evacuation order.
Officials said people living in the Lake Bottom area of Sumas Prairie – the last remaining area with floodwaters – could be able to return home in the coming days.
Water levels in Lake Bottom have decreased by about 50 centimetres over the last two days, Braun said.
"We have also made good progress in conducting road, bridge and culvert rapid damage assessments, which supports us safely getting people back to their properties in the near future," the mayor added.
With restoration work underway, the city is setting up a transfer station at Riverside Road near McConnell Road for mixed waste, bagged drywall and mattresses damaged during the floods.
Abbotsford also started a water disinfectant process for the Sumas Prairie area on Tuesday, and officials said recently returned evacuees may notice a "chlorine odour."
"This should be minimal as the 'Do Not Use' water advisory which allows for flushing only remains in place," Braun said.
A second potable water station is also being set up at Whatcom and Vye roads on Thursday. It will have the same hours as the first one at No. 2 Road and Boundary Road, which is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.